Chile: Container Market 2025

Container Market Size in Chile

After four years of growth, the Chilean container market decreased by -11% to $X in 2022. In general, consumption recorded a slight setback. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Container Production in Chile

In value terms, container production expanded modestly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production showed a perceptible expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when the production volume increased by 106% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Container Exports

Exports from Chile

In 2022, overseas shipments of tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers increased by 1% to X units, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. Overall, total exports indicated tangible growth from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +21.7% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when exports increased by 25% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X units in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, container exports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. In general, total exports indicated prominent growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +7.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +67.5% against 2020 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 41%. The exports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

Costa Rica (X units), Argentina (X units) and Peru (X units) were the main destinations of container exports from Chile, with a combined 44% share of total exports. The United States, Ecuador, Mexico, Colombia and Singapore lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 44%.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Singapore (with a CAGR of +29.6%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for container exported from Chile were Peru ($X), the United States ($X) and Costa Rica ($X), together accounting for 48% of total exports. Argentina, Ecuador, Mexico, Colombia and Singapore lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 41%.

Among the main countries of destination, Mexico, with a CAGR of +21.1%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average container export price stood at $X per unit in 2022, picking up by 37% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.8%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Peru ($X per unit), while the average price for exports to Singapore (less than $X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Peru (+6.5%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Container Imports

Imports into Chile

In 2022, overseas purchases of tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers decreased by -39.7% to X units for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year rising trend. Overall, imports saw a abrupt contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 72% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at X units in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, container imports declined notably to $X in 2022. In general, imports saw a perceptible decrease. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 82%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Brazil (X units) constituted the largest container supplier to Chile, with a 45% share of total imports. Moreover, container imports from Brazil exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, China (X units), twofold. Peru (X units) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 15% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Brazil was relatively modest. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (+15.3% per year) and Peru (+20.2% per year).

In value terms, Brazil ($X) constituted the largest supplier of tanks, casks, drums, cans, boxes and similar containers to Chile, comprising 46% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by China ($X), with a 21% share of total imports. It was followed by Peru, with a 13% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Brazil totaled +8.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: China (+19.4% per year) and Peru (+17.0% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average container import price amounted to $X per unit, increasing by 36% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +5.7%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 an increase of 43%. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the maximum in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Italy ($X per unit), while the price for Paraguay ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Italy (+9.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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