Chile - Distribution & Sales ChannelsChile - Distribution & Sales Channels
Establishing a local subsidiary or branch office in Chile offers would-be exporters the best guarantee of efficient service and appropriate product promotion. Corporations legally constituted abroad may form, under their own name, an authorized branch (agencia) in Chile. This method of market penetration involves an additional investment, but is justified if sales are large in volume or
when local service support and/or inventory are keys to success.
Another practical and more common market entry strategy, especially for new-to-market exporters, is appointing an agent or representative with solid technical expertise and good access to relevant buyers. Most manufacturing, trade and service activities in Chile are managed from Santiago. However, the country’s geographical length means that larger representatives often have branch offices in different regions, as well.
Seaports are the most important points of entry for merchandise entering Chile. Approximately 97% of exports and 59% of imports go through seaports, the most important of which are San Antonio and Valparaíso, which cover the Regional Metropolitan region of Santiago. All other trade exits/enters the country via airports and by surface transportation, mainly to/from Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia. From the point of entry, merchandise is distributed to final destinations mostly by surface transportation (primarily trucks). Chile’s rail network is limited, although there are plans to modernize and expand the system. Logistics operations have been modernized, and many new distribution centers and warehouses have been built, especially by large retailers such as department stores, supermarket chains, and distribution companies. Courier and transportation companies operate efficiently throughout the country. Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.
when local service support and/or inventory are keys to success.
Another practical and more common market entry strategy, especially for new-to-market exporters, is appointing an agent or representative with solid technical expertise and good access to relevant buyers. Most manufacturing, trade and service activities in Chile are managed from Santiago. However, the country’s geographical length means that larger representatives often have branch offices in different regions, as well.
Seaports are the most important points of entry for merchandise entering Chile. Approximately 97% of exports and 59% of imports go through seaports, the most important of which are San Antonio and Valparaíso, which cover the Regional Metropolitan region of Santiago. All other trade exits/enters the country via airports and by surface transportation, mainly to/from Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia. From the point of entry, merchandise is distributed to final destinations mostly by surface transportation (primarily trucks). Chile’s rail network is limited, although there are plans to modernize and expand the system. Logistics operations have been modernized, and many new distribution centers and warehouses have been built, especially by large retailers such as department stores, supermarket chains, and distribution companies. Courier and transportation companies operate efficiently throughout the country. Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.