Chile Tariff Talks With Washington Resume in Santiago
Chile · TRADE
Key Facts
- —Dates Talks run 24 and 25 August 2026 in Santiago.
- —Tariff rate 12.5% on Chilean goods, in force since 24 July 2026.
- —Exclusions Copper, avocados, oranges and kiwis are reported exempt.
- —Hardest hit Salmon, timber, agricultural goods, poultry, grapes, blueberries, wine and salt.
- —Chile’s ask Exemptions for salmon, grapes, blueberries, wine, poultry meat and salt.
Chile seeks to soften a broad 12.5% tariff that hit salmon, wine and blueberries, while copper stays exempt.
Chile tariff talks with Washington resume in Santiago on 24 and 25 August 2026. A United States delegation will be in the country those two days to continue the discussions, according to Chile’s foreign ministry.
Chile Tariff Talks Resume in Santiago
Chile tariff talks with Washington resume in Santiago on 24 and 25 August 2026. The foreign ministry said a United States delegation would be in the country for those two days.
Jeffrey Goettman, deputy trade representative at the Office of the United States Trade Representative, leads the US side. The talks continue a process that began after the tariff was imposed.
The 12.5% Tariff on Chilean Goods
The tariff on Chilean goods is 12.5%, imposed on 23 July 2026 and in force the next day. It applies broadly to Chilean products.
Reported exclusions include copper, avocados, oranges and kiwis. Copper is Chile’s largest export by value, making its exclusion significant.
Sectors Hit Hardest
The sectors hit hardest are salmon, timber and forest products, agricultural goods, food, poultry, grapes, blueberries, wine and salt. These products face the full 12.5% rate.
For example, salmon and wine are major exports, and the tariff raises their cost in the US market. Poultry and fruits like grapes and blueberries also suffer.
Chile Seeks Exemptions
Chile is seeking exemptions for salmon, grapes, blueberries, wine, poultry meat and salt. Other reporting says it wants more exemptions across the wider export basket.
In addition, Chile aims to keep expanding the exempt list. A tariff exemption removes a product from the tariff, so it enters at the normal rate.
Key Officials in the Talks
Chilean officials named in reporting include Francisco Pérez Mackenna, the foreign minister, and Andrés Ergas-Heymann, Chile’s ambassador to the United States. Paula Estévez, deputy secretary for international economic relations, and Claudia Sanhueza, undersecretary for international economic affairs, are also involved.
These officials will meet with Goettman’s team. The talks aim to reduce the burden of the tariff.
Copper Exclusion Matters
Copper is Chile’s largest export by value, so its exclusion from the tariff is a major win. However, the tariff still affects many other products.
Therefore, Chile’s focus is on getting more exclusions. The talks in Santiago are a chance to negotiate.
What a Tariff Exemption Means
A tariff exemption removes a product from the tariff, so it enters at the normal rate. This is what Chile hopes to achieve for salmon and wine.
Meanwhile, products without an exemption continue to pay the 12.5% tariff. The outcome of the talks will determine the future for many exporters.
Broader Export Basket
Chile wants more exemptions across its wider export basket. This includes not just the named products but also others like timber and poultry.
In short, the goal is to reduce the tariff’s impact on as many goods as possible. The talks could lead to a longer list of exempt products.
What Comes Next in the Chile Tariff Talks
The talks resume in Santiago, but no conclusion date is set. Both sides are meeting to discuss the tariff and possible exemptions.
As a result, exporters are watching closely. The outcome will shape Chile’s trade with the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Chile tariff talks resume?
Chile tariff talks resume on 24 and 25 August 2026 in Santiago. A US delegation will be present on those days.
What is the current tariff on Chilean goods?
The tariff is 12.5%, imposed on 23 July 2026 and in force the next day. It applies broadly to Chilean products.
Which products are excluded from the tariff?
Reported exclusions include copper, avocados, oranges and kiwis. Copper is Chile’s largest export by value.
What is Chile seeking in the talks?
Chile is seeking exemptions for salmon, grapes, blueberries, wine, poultry meat and salt. It also wants more exemptions across the wider export basket.
Connected Coverage
Sources: Chilean foreign ministry; US Trade Representative; Chilean press.
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