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Frozen and Wood Products Drive Ñuble's Exports in January-July

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The silvoagricultural exports of Ñuble reached US$686.9 million between January and July 2025, representing a 2.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Office of Agrarian Studies and Policies (Odepa), based on Customs data.

The modest growth was influenced by the slowdown in forestry shipments, which totaled US$399.0 million, showing a slight increase of 1.9%, dragged down by the decline in pulp exports but offset by processed and sawn wood.

Meanwhile, the agricultural sector, with shipments worth US$287.3 million in the first seven months of the year, recorded a cumulative growth of 4.3% compared to January-July 2024. The standout performers were processed fruits (frozen), processed vegetables (frozen), and fresh fruit.

Nationally, silvoagricultural exports fell by 2.4% cumulatively, with a 1.8% increase in forestry and a 5.7% decline in agricultural exports.

Forestry Shipments

The 71.4% increase in processed wood shipments (US$115.9 million) stands out. Similarly, sawn wood (US$73.9 million) showed an 84.5% rise compared to January-July of the previous year.

In the case of pulp, although it remains the main category with US$207.1 million, it experienced a 26.3% decline, deepening the downward trend observed in recent months due to a less favorable market.

Agricultural Shipments

In the first seven months of 2025, the dynamism of processed fruit exports—mainly frozen blueberries, cherries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries (US$117.7 million)—stood out, expanding by 35.0% compared to the same period in 2024, driven by higher seasonal production volumes. In fact, frozen fruit exports far exceeded fresh fruit exports (US$84.9 million), which grew by 4.0%.

As for processed vegetables, mostly frozen—such as asparagus—they totaled US$16.3 million, marking a 39.1% increase compared to January-July of the previous year.

Daniela Acuña, Odepa's deputy director, highlighted the advantages of frozen products in export logistics and stated, "We see market opportunities for this sector, but perhaps it is somewhat complex that most exports go to the United States. Given recent tariff changes, we need to start diversifying target markets."

The professional pointed to changing consumer habits globally. "We see that emerging economies are looking for easy-to-prepare foods that simplify daily life, and in that sense, frozen products offer an advantage."

On the other hand, the seed sector failed to surpass last year's numbers, as exports of sowing seeds (US$18.6 million) fell by 51.1%, attributed to lower demand in the Northern Hemisphere.

Also notable were inulin shipments (US$33.7 million), which decreased by 14% in value, and sugar exports (US$12.6 million), which contracted by 2%.

Destinations

The main destinations for Ñuble's silvoagricultural exports between January and July were: the United States, with a 33% share; China, with 29%; and Mexico, Japan, and South Korea, each with 4%.

Source:La Discusión