Chile: Cheese Market 2025

Cheese Market Size in Chile

The Chilean cheese market stood at $X in 2021, with an increase of 11% against the previous year. In general, the total consumption indicated resilient growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.2% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption increased by +53.0% against 2013 indices. Cheese consumption peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Cheese Production in Chile

In value terms, cheese production fell modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the production volume increased by 14% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Cheese Exports

Exports from Chile

Cheese exports from Chile fell modestly to X tons in 2021, reducing by -4.6% on 2020 figures. Overall, exports recorded a mild contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 84% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, cheese exports declined slightly to $X in 2021. In general, exports recorded a mild reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when exports increased by 119% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Mexico (X tons), Russia (X tons) and South Korea (X tons) were the main destinations of cheese exports from Chile, with a combined 85% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Russia (with a CAGR of +73.7%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for cheese exported from Chile were Mexico ($X), Russia ($X) and South Korea ($X), together comprising 86% of total exports.

Russia, with a CAGR of +79.7%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average cheese export price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 4.5% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the average export price increased by 19%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat for the major export markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the highest price was recorded for prices to Russia ($X per ton) and Peru ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Guatemala ($X per ton) and Mexico ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Russia (+3.5%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Cheese Imports

Imports into Chile

Cheese imports into Chile soared to X tons in 2021, jumping by 33% on 2020 figures. Over the period under review, imports recorded a strong increase. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, cheese imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, imports continue to indicate buoyant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 51%. Imports peaked in 2021 and are likely to continue growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

Argentina (X tons), the United States (X tons) and Germany (X tons) were the main suppliers of cheese imports to Chile, with a combined 56% share of total imports. The Netherlands, New Zealand, Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay and France lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 40%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Mexico (with a CAGR of +100.6%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest cheese suppliers to Chile were Argentina ($X), the United States ($X) and Germany ($X), with a combined 57% share of total imports. These countries were followed by New Zealand, the Netherlands, Mexico, France, Uruguay and Brazil, which together accounted for a further 36%.

Mexico, with a CAGR of +115.6%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average cheese import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 9.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, recorded a slight setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 15% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was France ($X per ton), while the price for the Netherlands ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Mexico (+7.5%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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