A rash of fast-moving wildfires has forced Chile to declare a nationwide “disaster state” and is disrupting port operations. Fires that began in the south have damaged transport infrastructure and are now affecting terminals along the coast.
San Vicente, Talcahuano and Lirquen (worst-hit zone)
– Lirquen terminal: completely shut
– San Vicente & Talcahuano: working under severe restrictionsNorthern ports
– Angamos pier at Mejillones: limited by heavy swell
– Arica, Iquique, Antofagasta, Coquimbo: normal for nowCentral ports
– Valparaíso (both terminals): restricted by weather-driven surge
– San Antonio: unaffected, operating normallySouthern/Coronel & Punta Arenas: normal, but network-wide operations are uneven because of fire damage and rough seas
Forest-service crews are battling active fronts, but strong winds and seasonal heat make containment difficult; port and transport conditions remain highly uncertain.
Trade impact
China has been Chile’s No. 1 trading partner, export market and import source for 15 straight years and is China’s third-largest partner in Latin America. GTM data show 2025 two-way trade at USD 66.37 billion (+11 % YoY):
Chinese exports to Chile: USD 25.13 billion (+21.7 %)
Chinese imports from Chile: USD 41.23 billion (+2.3 %)
Copper ores & concentrates make up three-quarters of China’s Chilean purchases, while Chinese sales are dominated by machinery, autos (including NEVs) and garments—a classic resource-vs-manufacturing complementarity that keeps the trade-intensity index above 1.2 and competition near zero.
Looking ahead, lithium, solar components and cherries will push two-way trade to an estimated 8 % annual growth. Exporters watching this market should track Chilean port and fire updates closely.