Chile - Market ChallengesChile - Market Challenges
While U.S. companies have not been the target of protests and demonstrations, recent civil unrest (starting in October 2019) has forced the Chilean Government to shift its focus to addressing citizen demands related to the pension system, high price of pharmaceuticals and higher education, health care, and utilities costs.
In terms of market entry, perhaps the greatest challenge to a U.S. firm seeking to export to Chile is the high degree of competition and the relatively small market size. Even though Chile is a market with a population of just fewer than 19 million, its open trade and investment policy has attracted the attention of many foreign firms and it ranks as the 23rd largest U.S. goods export market in the world. At the same time, the small market size has led some companies to overlook Chile, leaving interesting niche markets and solid opportunities for U.S. exports.
Despite Chile’s openness to new products and technology, Chilean businesspeople tend to be far more conservative and cautious than the average U.S. businessperson. U.S. companies should take this into consideration when entering the market and adjust sales expectations accordingly.
While the Chilean Government is committed to trying to streamline certain processes, U.S. companies will find that operating in Chile requires patience and a tolerance for delays associated with doing government-mandated paperwork and obtaining various approvals and permits.
A key to competing successfully is finding the right in-country partner. It is extremely difficult for a foreign entity to successfully do business in Chile without having either a direct presence in the market or a local partner. A good agent or distributor can use their business and/or social connections to open doors and overcome regulatory, as well as cultural and language barriers.
U.S. companies doing business in Chile should be aware that a relatively small number of economic groups and families control a large percentage of Chilean businesses. The limited competition in select industries has brought to light increasing concerns about transparency and allegations of potential collusion or corruption in recent years. 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.
In terms of market entry, perhaps the greatest challenge to a U.S. firm seeking to export to Chile is the high degree of competition and the relatively small market size. Even though Chile is a market with a population of just fewer than 19 million, its open trade and investment policy has attracted the attention of many foreign firms and it ranks as the 23rd largest U.S. goods export market in the world. At the same time, the small market size has led some companies to overlook Chile, leaving interesting niche markets and solid opportunities for U.S. exports.
Despite Chile’s openness to new products and technology, Chilean businesspeople tend to be far more conservative and cautious than the average U.S. businessperson. U.S. companies should take this into consideration when entering the market and adjust sales expectations accordingly.
While the Chilean Government is committed to trying to streamline certain processes, U.S. companies will find that operating in Chile requires patience and a tolerance for delays associated with doing government-mandated paperwork and obtaining various approvals and permits.
A key to competing successfully is finding the right in-country partner. It is extremely difficult for a foreign entity to successfully do business in Chile without having either a direct presence in the market or a local partner. A good agent or distributor can use their business and/or social connections to open doors and overcome regulatory, as well as cultural and language barriers.
U.S. companies doing business in Chile should be aware that a relatively small number of economic groups and families control a large percentage of Chilean businesses. The limited competition in select industries has brought to light increasing concerns about transparency and allegations of potential collusion or corruption in recent years. 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.