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 restrictions

• Northern ports
  – Angamos pier at Mejillones: limited by heavy swell
  – Arica, Iquique, Antofagasta, Coquimbo: normal for now

• Central ports
  – Valparaíso (both terminals): restricted by weather-driven surge
  – San Antonio: unaffected, operating normally

• Southern/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.