Industry Research Report on the Chemicals in Chile.¶

Value Chain outline¶

The chemical industry in Chile operates through a value chain that primarily involves the extraction and import of raw materials, their processing and manufacturing into various chemical products, followed by distribution and logistics to serve a diverse range of end-use industries. Chile's rich natural resources, particularly in the northern regions, heavily influence the initial stages of this chain, providing key inputs for the production of inorganic chemicals.

Identification and description of each step in the value chain¶

1. Raw Material Extraction and Import: This is the foundational step, where key natural resources available in Chile are extracted, and other necessary raw materials are imported to meet the demands of the manufacturing sector.

2. Manufacturing and Production: In this stage, raw materials undergo chemical processes to produce a wide array of basic, specialty, and downstream chemical products. This includes large-scale production of inorganic chemicals derived from mining, as well as manufacturing of industrial gases, explosives, and other chemical compounds.

3. Distribution and Logistics: This step involves the storage, transportation, and handling of chemical products from manufacturing sites or ports of entry to the end-users. Given the nature of many chemical substances, this stage requires specialized infrastructure and adherence to strict safety and regulatory standards.

4. End-Use Industries: This represents the final consumption of chemical products by various sectors of the Chilean economy, where these chemicals are utilized as inputs for their own production processes or for specific applications.

Identification and description of segments for each step of the value chain.¶

Step 1: Raw Material Extraction and Import

Segments:
- Mineral Extraction: Focuses on extracting naturally occurring minerals and brines containing valuable chemical elements.
- Importation of Raw Materials: Involves procuring raw materials not readily available or insufficient in domestic supply from international markets.
Main activities of each segment:
- Mineral Extraction: Activities include mining of caliche ore and extraction of brines from salt flats, particularly in the Atacama Desert. These processes yield substances like nitrates, iodine, lithium, and potassium. Extraction of molybdenum and rhenium, often as byproducts of copper mining, is also a key activity.
- Importation of Raw Materials: This involves sourcing and importing diverse chemical raw materials, including crude and refined petroleum for petrochemical processes, and chemical wood pulp for various industrial uses.
Types of players: Mining companies, chemical companies with integrated extraction operations, import/export companies.
Examples of main players: SQM (for lithium, nitrates, iodine, potassium), Molymet (for molybdenum and rhenium), ENAP (involved in petrochemicals, suggesting crude oil processing).

Step 2: Manufacturing and Production

Segments:
- Inorganic Chemicals Production: Manufacturing of chemicals derived from mineral resources.
- Industrial Gases Production: Production of atmospheric and process gases.
- Explosives Manufacturing: Production of explosives primarily for the mining sector.
- Basic and Specialty Chemicals Manufacturing: Production of a wide range of chemical compounds serving various industries.
- Agrochemicals Manufacturing: Production of fertilizers and crop protection chemicals.
Main activities of each segment:
- Inorganic Chemicals Production: Processing of extracted brines and minerals through techniques like solar evaporation, leaching, purification, and chemical conversion to produce lithium carbonate and hydroxide, iodine and its derivatives, potassium products, and nitrates. Processing of molybdenum and rhenium concentrates is also included.
- Industrial Gases Production: Utilizing air separation units and other technologies to produce gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, argon, and specialty gases.
- Explosives Manufacturing: Production of ammonium nitrate and other explosive formulations, including packaged and bulk explosives, often with integrated services like rock fragmentation.
- Basic and Specialty Chemicals Manufacturing: Synthesis and formulation of diverse chemical products, such as resins, adhesives, coatings, sulfuric acid, and aluminum sulfate.
- Agrochemicals Manufacturing: Production of fertilizers and the formulation and manufacturing of crop protection chemicals like pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides, including a growing segment of biocontrol products.
Types of players: Large integrated chemical companies, specialized chemical manufacturers, industrial gas producers.
Examples of main players: SQM (inorganic chemicals), Molymet (molybdenum and rhenium), Enaex (explosives), Linde (industrial gases), Air Liquide (industrial gases), Oxiquim S.A. (basic and specialty chemicals), Quimetal Industrial S.A. (chemicals), Methanex (methanol), Químicos FAS (sulfuric acid, aluminum sulfate), Bio Insumos Nativa (biocontrol).

Step 3: Distribution and Logistics

Segments:
- Chemical Distribution: The sale and supply of chemicals from manufacturers to end-users.
- Chemical Logistics and Warehousing: Specialized services for the transportation and storage of chemical products, including hazardous materials.
Main activities of each segment:
- Chemical Distribution: Sourcing chemicals from local manufacturers and international suppliers, warehousing, sales, technical support, and delivering products to various industrial and commercial clients. This involves managing a broad portfolio of basic, specialty, and agricultural chemicals.
- Chemical Logistics and Warehousing: Providing transportation services (road, rail, sea, air) for chemical products, including bulk liquids and packaged goods. Operating specialized warehouses for chemical storage, adhering to strict safety and regulatory requirements for handling hazardous materials.
Types of players: Global chemical distributors, regional distributors, logistics companies with chemical handling expertise.
Examples of main players: Brenntag (global distributor), SolvChem International (specialty chemical distributor), Productos Químicos Chile – PQC (distributor), Oxiquim S.A. (distribution and logistics), Manuchar (global distributor with acquisition of Proquiel Químicos), DACHSER (logistics), Noatum Logistics (logistics), MOL Logistics (logistics).

Step 4: End-Use Industries

Segments:
- Mining Industry: Major consumer of explosives, industrial gases, and other chemicals for mineral extraction and processing.
- Agriculture Sector: Significant user of fertilizers and crop protection chemicals.
- Manufacturing Industries: Utilize chemicals in the production of plastics, textiles, automotive parts, and various other goods.
- Healthcare Sector: Requires medical gases and chemicals for pharmaceuticals and other medical applications.
- Construction Industry: Uses chemicals like adhesives, coatings, and pigments.
- Food and Beverage Industry: Employs food-grade gases and chemical ingredients.
- Water Treatment: Utilizes chemicals for water purification and treatment processes.
Main activities of each segment: These sectors consume chemicals as essential inputs for their core operations, such as blasting in mining, crop protection in agriculture, synthesis in manufacturing, patient care in healthcare, building and infrastructure development in construction, food processing and preservation in food & beverage, and water quality management.
Types of players: Mining companies (Codelco, BHP), agricultural producers and cooperatives, various manufacturing companies, hospitals and healthcare providers, construction companies, food and beverage processors, water utility companies.
Examples of main players: Codelco (mining), Pesquera Camanchaca S.A. (aquaculture, food processing) [Source: provided context], various agricultural exporters (e.g., Concha y Toro for wine, major fruit exporters).

Show estimates of volumes and sizes of each step in the value chain.¶

Providing precise volume and size estimates for each step across the entire value chain in Chile is challenging based on the available aggregated data. However, we can provide figures for specific segments and overall trade:

Raw Material Extraction: While specific volumes for all extracted raw materials used in the chemical industry are not available, Chile is a world leader in the production of copper, molybdenum (12.1% of world reserves), rhenium (53% of world reserves), iodine (60.8% of world reserves), natural nitrates (100% of world reserves), and has significant lithium reserves (57.9% of world lithium carbonate reserves). SQM's 2024 sales volumes for some key extracted products were: Potash 695,000t, Specialty plant nutrition 982,900t, NOP and sodium potassium nitrate 534,000t. [Source: provided context]
Manufacturing and Production:
- Molymet's volume of molybdenum products sold in 2024 was 111 million pounds. [Source: provided context]
- Enaex's physical sales volume (primarily explosives) in the first half of 2024 was 888,100 tonnes. [Source: provided context] Enaex had a production capacity increase in the past from 450,000 to 850,000 tons per year.
- The Latin America industrial explosives market volume was approximately 1.48 Million Tons in 2024 and is projected to reach around 2.46 Million Tons by 2034. Chile represents around 25% of the Latin America industrial explosive market by value.
- Global industrial gas market size was estimated at 1.66 billion tons in 2024 and is expected to reach 1.74 billion tons in 2025. While Chile-specific volume is not available, Linde and Air Products (Indura) together hold a significant majority (approximately 77%) of the industrial and medical gas market in Chile.
Distribution: Detailed volume data for the overall chemical distribution market in Chile is not available. However, imports of chemicals are a significant part of the supply, with 26,935 shipments recorded between March 2023 and February 2024.
End-Use Industries (Market Size):
- The Chile Crop Protection Chemicals Market size was estimated at USD 442.63 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 465.44 million in 2025.
- The Latin America Industrial Explosive Market is projected to grow from USD 1147.7 million in 2024 to an estimated USD 1994.18 million by 2032. Chile represents around 25% of this market by value in 2024.
- Imports of "Prepared binders for foundry moulds or cores; chemical products and preparations for the chemical or allied industries" accounted for 0.3% of total imports in Chile in 2023.
- Imports of Chemicals between March 2023 and February 2024 totaled 26,935 shipments.

Value Chain Summary Table¶

Value Chain Step	Key Segments	Types of Players	Main Activities	Estimated Volumes/Sizes
Raw Material Extraction and Import	Mineral Extraction, Importation of Raw Materials	Mining Companies, Integrated Chemical Companies, Import/Export Companies	Extraction of minerals (nitrates, iodine, lithium, potassium) and brines; Import of petroleum, wood pulp, and other chemicals.	World leader in reserves/production of key minerals (Copper, Molybdenum, Rhenium, Iodine, Nitrates, Lithium). Significant imports of mineral fuels and chemical wood pulp. SQM 2024 sales: Potash 695k t, Specialty plant nutrition 983k t.
Manufacturing and Production	Inorganic Chemicals, Industrial Gases, Explosives, Basic & Specialty Chemicals, Agrochemicals	Large Chemical Producers, Specialized Manufacturers, Industrial Gas Companies	Processing of minerals/brines; Production of industrial gases, explosives, fertilizers, basic chemicals, specialty chemicals, biocontrol.	Molymet 2024 sales volume: 111 million lbs (molybdenum). Enaex 1H 2024 sales volume: 888k t (explosives). Chile Industrial Explosives Market (2024 est.): ~USD 112 million (approx. 25% of LA market). Linde/Air Products: ~77% of Chile's industrial/medical gas market.
Distribution and Logistics	Chemical Distribution, Chemical Logistics and Warehousing	Global & Regional Distributors, Logistics Companies	Sourcing, warehousing, sales, and delivery of chemicals; Specialized transport and storage for chemical products, including hazardous goods.	Chemicals Imports (Mar 2023-Feb 2024): 26,935 shipments. Detailed market size/volume for distribution is limited.
End-Use Industries	Mining, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Construction, Food & Beverage, Water Treatment	Mining Companies, Agricultural Producers, Manufacturers, Hospitals, Construction Firms, Food Processors, Water Utilities	Consumption of chemicals as inputs for various production processes and applications.	Chile Crop Protection Chemicals Market (2024 est.): USD 442.63 million. Latin America Industrial Explosive Market (2024 est.): USD 1147.7 million (Chile ~25%). Imports of certain chemical preparations: 0.3% of total imports (2023).

Examples of Main Players¶

SQM (Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile): A Chilean company with a global presence, SQM is a dominant force in the extraction and production of inorganic chemicals derived from the Atacama Desert, including lithium, nitrates, iodine, and potassium. Their business model is based on leveraging their unique natural resources and integrated production processes. In 2024, SQM reported revenues of US$4,528.8 million, though this was a decrease from 2023 primarily due to lower lithium prices. [Source: provided context] They are the world's largest producer of lithium and potassium nitrate. [Source: provided context]

Molymet (Molibdenos y Metales S.A.): A Chilean company that is a world leader in the processing of molybdenum and rhenium, which are often obtained as byproducts of copper mining. Molymet's business segments include tolling services and sales of processed products and byproducts. Their performance is closely tied to global molybdenum prices. In 2024, Molymet's revenue was US$2,064 million. [Source: provided context]

Enaex: A Chilean subsidiary of Sigdo Koppers, Enaex specializes in the production and distribution of explosives and provides rock fragmentation services, primarily for the mining industry in Chile and internationally. They are the sole producer of explosive-grade ammonium nitrate in Chile and the largest in South America. [Source: provided context] Enaex's revenue in 2024 was US$1,916.0 million, with a significant portion from outside Chile. [Source: provided context]

Bayer: A German multinational with a notable presence in Chile's agricultural sector through its Crop Science division, providing crop protection chemicals and seeds. [Source: provided context] Bayer is a major global player in agrochemicals. The Chilean crop protection market is dominated by traditional multinational companies like Bayer.

BASF: Another large German multinational chemical company with diversified operations. In Chile, BASF is involved in various chemical segments, including those relevant to agriculture and potentially other industrial sectors like mining and manufacturing, offering a broad portfolio of products. [Source: provided context, 7] BASF is one of the major companies in the Chile Crop Protection Chemicals market.

Linde: A leading global industrial gases and engineering company with a significant footprint in Chile, providing industrial and medical gases to a wide range of sectors. Linde operates multiple production plants and has an extensive distribution network across the country.

Air Liquide: A French multinational also specializing in industrial, medical, and specialty gases with operations in Chile, serving various industries and the healthcare sector. Air Liquide is a major player in the Chilean industrial and medical gas market, competing with Linde and Air Products (Indura).

Brenntag: A global market leader in chemical and ingredients distribution, with established operations in Chile. Brenntag plays a crucial role in the supply chain, connecting chemical manufacturers to diverse end-user industries through its distribution network. [Source: provided context]

Air Products (Indura): An American multinational operating in Chile through its subsidiary Indura, which is a key supplier of industrial and medical gases. Indura has a strong operational presence and distribution network in Chile.

Oxiquim S.A.: A Chilean company involved in the production, marketing, and distribution of basic and specialty chemicals, along with providing logistics services. [Source: provided context] They offer a range of chemical products, including resins, adhesives, and coatings, and operate a maritime terminal. [Source: provided context] In 2023, Oxiquim's revenue was CLP 214,648.55 million. [Source: provided context]

Volumes and Sizes¶

Estimates of volumes and sizes within the Chilean chemical industry vary by segment and available data.

Overall Market Size: The chemical industry contributed approximately 2% of Chile's total GDP in the first quarter of 2022.
Exports and Imports:
- In 2023, inorganic chemicals, precious metal compounds, and isotopes accounted for 10.06% of Chile's total exports, valued at USD 9.55 Billion.
- Chile's exports of chemicals were 9% of total non-mineral product exports in 2023.
- In 2023, imports of "Prepared binders for foundry moulds or cores; chemical products and preparations for the chemical or allied industries" accounted for 0.3% of total imports.
- Imports of Chemicals into Chile totaled 26,935 shipments between March 2023 and February 2024. Fine chemical imports to Chile were 334 shipments from November 2022 to October 2023.
Specific Segment Sizes and Volumes:
- Crop Protection Chemicals: The market size was estimated at USD 442.63 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 465.44 million in 2025. It is projected to grow to USD 591.21 million by 2030. The fruits and vegetables segment holds approximately 49% market share, and fungicides account for about 59% of the market value in 2024.
- Industrial Explosives: The Latin America market size was USD 1147.7 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1994.18 million by 2032. Chile represents around 25% of this market by value in 2024, equating to approximately USD 287 million. The Latin America explosives market volume was approximately 1.48 Million Tons in 2024 and is projected to reach around 2.46 Million Tons by 2034.
- Industrial Gases: The Latin America Food Grade Industrial Gases Market was worth USD 0.68 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 1.18 billion by 2032. Linde and Air Products (Indura) together account for approximately 77% of the industrial and medical gas market in Chile. Global industrial gas market size was estimated at 1.66 billion tons in 2024 and is expected to reach 1.74 billion tons in 2025.
Key Player Volumes and Revenues (2024 data where available):
- SQM: Revenue US$4,528.8 million (2024). [Source: provided context] Potash sales: 695,000t (2024), projected ~350,000t (2025). Specialty plant nutrition sales: 982,900t (2024). NOP and sodium potassium nitrate sales: 534,000t (2024). Lithium and iodine sales volumes at record levels in 2024. [Source: provided context]
- Molymet: Revenue US$2,064 million (2024). [Source: provided context] Molybdenum products sales volume: 111 million pounds (2024). Rhenium sales volume estimated at 121 thousand pounds annually (2024-2026). Processing capacity: 207 million pounds of molybdenum annually. [Source: provided context]
- Enaex: Revenue US$1,916.0 million (2024). [Source: provided context] Physical sales volume 1H 2024: 888,100 tonnes. [Source: provided context]
- Oxiquim S.A.: Revenue CLP 214,648.55 million (2023). [Source: provided context]

References¶

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Key Players Table

| Player name and short description | Detailed profile | Relevant context information | Estimates of volumes (tonnes unless specified) ```markdown

Industry Research Report on the Chemicals in Chile.¶

Value Chain outline¶

The chemicals industry in Chile is a complex ecosystem heavily influenced by the country's rich mineral resources and its significant agricultural and mining sectors. The value chain generally flows through several key stages: Extraction/Import of Raw Materials, Production/Manufacturing, Distribution/Logistics, and finally, End-Use Industries. This structure highlights the dual nature of the industry, acting as both a primary sector leveraging natural resources and a key supplier to downstream industries.

Identification and description of each step in the value chain¶

Raw Material Extraction and Import: This is the initial phase where the fundamental building blocks for chemical production are obtained. Chile's unique geological landscape provides significant reserves of non-metallic minerals crucial for various chemical products. Alongside domestic extraction, the country relies on importing a variety of raw materials to support its manufacturing activities.
Manufacturing and Production: In this central stage, the raw materials are transformed through various chemical processes into intermediate and final chemical products. This encompasses a wide range of manufacturing activities, from large-scale production of commodity chemicals to the synthesis of specialized compounds.
Distribution and Logistics: This critical step ensures that manufactured chemicals reach their intended customers across various industries and geographic locations. It involves storage, handling, and transportation, often requiring specialized infrastructure and adherence to stringent safety regulations, particularly for hazardous materials.
End-Use Industries: This final stage represents the consumption of chemical products by other sectors of the economy. The demand from these industries drives the entire value chain and influences the types and volumes of chemicals produced and distributed in Chile.

Identification and description of segments for each step of the value chain.¶

Step 1: Raw Material Extraction and Import

Identification and description of segments:
- Mineral Extraction: This segment focuses on the extraction of non-metallic minerals and brines from Chile's rich deposits, particularly in the northern regions. Key resources include nitrates, iodine, lithium, and potassium from salt flats, as well as molybdenum and rhenium, often extracted as byproducts of copper mining.
- Importation of Raw Materials: This segment involves the procurement of necessary chemical raw materials from international sources that are either not available domestically or whose local production is insufficient to meet demand. This includes significant volumes of crude and refined petroleum, essential for the petrochemical industry, and chemical wood pulp used in various manufacturing processes.
List of types of players in each segment: Mining companies, chemical companies with integrated extraction operations, import/export companies, state-owned enterprises (in some mineral sectors).
Detailed description of the main activities within each segment:
- Mineral Extraction: Activities include open-pit mining and extraction of brines, followed by initial processing steps like solar evaporation, leaching, and concentration. These processes are energy-intensive and require significant water resources, particularly in arid regions like the Atacama Desert.
- Importation of Raw Materials: This involves international trade activities, including sourcing, purchasing, customs clearance, and transportation of raw materials to manufacturing plants or storage facilities within Chile.
List examples of key players with detailed profiles:
- SQM (Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile): A major player in the extraction of lithium, nitrates, iodine, and potassium from the Salar de Atacama. They utilize solar evaporation as a primary method for concentrating brines.
- Molymet (Molibdenos y Metales S.A.): Involved in the processing of molybdenum and rhenium concentrates, often sourced from copper mining operations.
- ENAP: The National Petroleum Company of Chile, involved in the energy sector, which is linked to the import and processing of crude and refined petroleum used as feedstock for some chemical production.

Step 2: Manufacturing and Production

Identification and description of segments:
- Inorganic Chemicals Production: This segment focuses on converting extracted minerals and brines into value-added inorganic chemicals like lithium carbonate and hydroxide, iodine derivatives, potassium salts, and nitrates.
- Industrial Gases Production: This segment involves the production of atmospheric gases (oxygen, nitrogen, argon) and process gases (hydrogen, carbon dioxide) for various industrial and medical applications.
- Explosives Manufacturing: This segment is dedicated to producing a range of explosives, including ammonium nitrate-based products, primarily for the mining and construction industries.
- Basic and Specialty Chemicals Manufacturing: This broad segment covers the synthesis and formulation of a diverse array of chemical products, from large-volume basic chemicals to lower-volume, high-value specialty chemicals for specific applications.
- Agrochemicals Manufacturing: This segment includes the production of fertilizers and the formulation and manufacturing of crop protection chemicals such as herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and a growing focus on biocontrol agents.
List of types of players in each segment: Large chemical companies, multinational corporations with local production facilities, specialized local manufacturers.
Detailed description of the main activities within each segment:
- Inorganic Chemicals Production: Chemical conversion processes, purification, crystallization, and drying to produce final inorganic chemical products.
- Industrial Gases Production: Air separation through cryogenic distillation or other methods, and production of specific gases through chemical reactions.
- Explosives Manufacturing: Chemical synthesis of explosive compounds and their formulation into various product types (e.g., emulsions, anfo), often including packaging.
- Basic and Specialty Chemicals Manufacturing: Complex chemical synthesis, blending, formulation, and purification processes tailored to specific product requirements and end-user applications.
- Agrochemicals Manufacturing: Synthesis of active ingredients (less common in Chile) and more frequently, the formulation and packaging of pesticides and fertilizers. Production of biocontrol agents involves biological processes.
List examples of key players with detailed profiles:
- SQM (Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile): Produces lithium carbonate and hydroxide from concentrated brines at their Salar del Carmen and La Negra plants, iodine and nitrates from caliche ore at facilities like Nueva Victoria and Maria Elena.
- Molymet (Molibdenos y Metales S.A.): Processes molybdenum concentrates to produce ferromolybdenum and other molybdenum products.
- Enaex: Manufactures explosive-grade ammonium nitrate and other explosives, with production facilities in Chile. They are involved in the production of "blue ammonium nitrate" with lower greenhouse gas emissions.
- Linde: Operates production units across Chile for industrial and medical gases.
- Air Liquide: Also operates production units and filling centers for industrial and medical gases in Chile.
- Oxiquim S.A.: Involved in the production of resins, adhesives, and coatings.
- Methanex: Operates a large methanol production facility in Punta Arenas, utilizing natural gas as a feedstock.
- Químicos FAS: Produces sulfuric acid and aluminum sulfate.
- Bio Insumos Nativa: A Chilean company specializing in the manufacturing of biocontrol products.

Step 3: Distribution and Logistics

Identification and description of segments:
- Chemical Distribution: The sales, marketing, and supply of chemical products to various end-user industries. This involves managing inventory, technical sales, and customer service.
- Chemical Logistics and Warehousing: The specialized transportation and storage of chemical products, including hazardous materials, adhering to strict safety regulations and handling requirements.
List of types of players in each segment: Global chemical distributors, regional and local distributors, third-party logistics providers with chemical expertise, chemical manufacturers with direct distribution channels.
Detailed description of the main activities within each segment:
- Chemical Distribution: Activities include sourcing products from local and international manufacturers, warehousing, inventory management, order fulfillment, technical support to customers, and managing sales channels to reach diverse markets like mining, agriculture, and manufacturing.
- Chemical Logistics and Warehousing: This involves specialized transportation modes (trucking, rail, maritime, air freight) equipped to handle chemicals, including dangerous goods. It also includes operating warehouses with appropriate safety measures, temperature control, and segregation for different types of chemicals.
List examples of key players with detailed profiles:
- Brenntag: A global leader in chemical distribution with operations in Chile, offering a wide range of industrial and specialty chemicals and ingredients. [Source: provided context]
- SolvChem International: A distributor specializing in specialty chemicals in Latin America, including Chile.
- Productos Químicos Chile – PQC: A company based in Santiago involved in the distribution and commercialization of various raw materials and chemical products across different sectors.
- Oxiquim S.A.: In addition to manufacturing, Oxiquim has a significant distribution and logistics segment, including operating a maritime terminal.
- Manuchar: A global chemical distributor that has expanded its presence in Chile through the acquisition of Proquiel Químicos, which serves various sectors including mining, agriculture, and water treatment.
- DACHSER: Offers specialized chemical logistics services in Chile, including transport and warehousing of packaged chemicals and hazardous goods.
- Noatum Logistics: Provides integrated logistics solutions for the chemical industry in Chile, covering maritime, air, and land transport, including handling dangerous goods.

Step 4: End-Use Industries

Identification and description of segments:
- Mining Industry: The largest consumer of chemicals in Chile, utilizing explosives for blasting, industrial gases for various processes, and other chemicals for mineral flotation, leaching, and refining.
- Agriculture Sector: A major consumer of fertilizers to enhance soil fertility and crop yield, and crop protection chemicals to control pests, diseases, and weeds.
- Manufacturing Industries: A broad category encompassing various sub-sectors (plastics, textiles, automotive, paper, etc.) that use chemicals as raw materials, intermediates, and processing aids.
- Healthcare Sector: Relies on medical gases for respiratory support and other medical procedures, as well as chemicals for pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and sterilization.
- Construction Industry: Utilizes chemicals in building materials, adhesives, coatings, and for processes like concrete admixtures.
- Food and Beverage Industry: Employs food-grade gases for preservation and carbonation, as well as various chemical ingredients and processing aids.
- Water Treatment: Uses chemicals for purification, disinfection, and conditioning of potable water and wastewater.
List of types of players in each segment: Large corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), public institutions (e.g., hospitals, water utilities), agricultural cooperatives and individual farmers.
Main activities of each segment: Consumption and application of chemical products within their specific production processes, product formulations, or service delivery.
List examples of key players with detailed profiles:
- Codelco: Chile's state-owned copper mining company, a major consumer of explosives and other mining chemicals.
- Agricultural Exporters (e.g., Concha y Toro, fruit producers): Significant users of agrochemicals to ensure high-quality produce for international markets.
- Pesquera Camanchaca S.A.: A fishing and aquaculture company that would likely utilize chemicals in their processing operations. [Source: provided context]
- Methanex: While a chemical producer, it also consumes natural gas as a raw material.
- Various plastics manufacturers, textile companies, food processing plants, and healthcare facilities across the country.

Value Chain Summary Table¶

Value Chain Step	Key Segments	Types of Players	Main Activities	Estimated Volumes/Sizes (where available and recent)
Raw Material Extraction and Import	Mineral Extraction, Importation of Raw Materials	Mining Companies, Integrated Chemical Companies, Import/Export Companies	Extraction of minerals (nitrates, iodine, lithium, potassium) and brines; Import of petroleum, wood pulp, and other chemicals.	Chile is a world leader in reserves/production of key minerals (Copper, Molybdenum, Rhenium, Iodine, Nitrates, Lithium). Imports of mineral fuels and lubricants: 20.5% of total imports (2023). Imports of chemical wood pulp: $2.57 Billion (2023). SQM 2024 sales: Potash 695,000 t, Specialty plant nutrition 982,900 t, NOP and sodium potassium nitrate 534,000 t. [Source: provided context]
Manufacturing and Production	Inorganic Chemicals, Industrial Gases, Explosives, Basic & Specialty Chemicals, Agrochemicals	Large Chemical Producers, Multinational Corporations, Specialized Local Manufacturers, Industrial Gas Companies	Processing of minerals/brines; Production of industrial gases, explosives, fertilizers, basic chemicals, specialty chemicals, biocontrol.	Molymet 2024 sales volume: 111 million pounds (molybdenum products). [Source: provided context] Enaex 1H 2024 physical sales volume: 888,100 tonnes (explosives). [Source: provided context] Latin America Industrial Explosives Market (2024 est.): USD 1147.7 million (Chile approx. 25%). Chile Crop Protection Chemicals Market (2024 est.): USD 442.63 million.
Distribution and Logistics	Chemical Distribution, Chemical Logistics and Warehousing	Global & Regional Distributors, Logistics Companies	Sourcing, warehousing, sales, and delivery of chemicals; Specialized transport and storage for chemical products, including hazardous goods.	Chemicals Imports (Mar 2023-Feb 2024): 26,935 shipments. Fine Chemical Imports (Nov 2022-Oct 2023): 334 shipments. Detailed market size/volume for distribution is limited.
End-Use Industries	Mining, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Construction, Food & Beverage, Water Treatment	Mining Companies, Agricultural Producers, Manufacturers, Hospitals, Construction Firms, Food Processors, Water Utilities	Consumption of chemicals as inputs for various production processes and applications.	Chile Crop Protection Chemicals Market (2024 est.): USD 442.63 million. Latin America Industrial Explosive Market (2024 est.): USD 1147.7 million (Chile approx. 25%). Fungicides represent ~59% of Chile's crop protection market (2024). Fruits and vegetables segment is ~49% of Chile's crop protection market (2024).

Examples of Main Players¶

SQM (Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile): Headquartered in Santiago, SQM is a globally leading Chilean chemical company primarily focused on the extraction and production of lithium, iodine, and potassium nitrate from its concessions in the Atacama Desert. The company’s integrated operations involve extracting brines and caliche ore and processing them into various chemical products. SQM serves essential industries globally with a significant international commercial network. [Source: provided context] Despite being a world leader in lithium production, SQM's revenue decreased in 2024 due to lower lithium prices, although sales volumes across most business lines increased. [Source: provided context] They are prioritizing lithium production and expect lower potash sales in 2025 due to diversion for nitrate production. [Source: provided context]

Molymet (Molibdenos y Metales S.A.): A Chilean company recognized as a world leader in the processing of molybdenum and rhenium. Molymet's business model revolves around processing these metals, often obtained as byproducts from copper mining. Their operations include tolling services and the sale of processed products and byproducts like sulfuric acid. Molymet's financial performance is sensitive to the cyclical nature of global molybdenum prices, although they use long-term contracts to mitigate this volatility. The company maintained an Investment Grade credit rating. [Source: provided context] Their revenue in 2024 decreased compared to 2023 due to lower molybdenum prices and reduced molydenite supply from mines. [Source: provided context]

Enaex: A prominent Chilean company and a subsidiary of the industrial group Sigdo Koppers, Enaex specializes in providing integrated rock fragmentation solutions, with a core business in manufacturing and commercializing high explosives and blasting agents. A key focus is the production of ammonium nitrate. Enaex holds a unique position as the sole producer of explosive-grade ammonium nitrate in Chile and is the largest in South America. [Source: provided context] The company's performance is closely linked to the activity of the mining industry. Enaex has been expanding its international presence, with a significant portion of its revenue generated outside Chile. [Source: provided context] They are also developing more sustainable products like "blue ammonium nitrate" with reduced carbon footprint. Enaex’s revenue saw an increase in 2024. [Source: provided context]

Oxiquim S.A.: A Chilean company engaged in the production, marketing, and distribution of both basic and specialty chemicals. Oxiquim also offers logistics services and operates a maritime terminal, indicating an integrated approach to the chemical supply chain. Their product portfolio includes resins, adhesives, and coatings. The company's business is structured into commercial and services segments. Oxiquim reported a decrease in sales and net income in 2023.

Methanex: Although a global company, Methanex is a significant chemical producer in Chile, operating a large methanol plant in Punta Arenas. Methanol is a basic chemical with various industrial applications.

Linde and Air Products (Indura): These are major international players in the industrial and medical gas market in Chile. They provide a wide range of gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and argon, essential for various industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and mining. Both companies have production plants and extensive distribution networks across the country. They were recently involved in a market collusion investigation by the Chilean competition authority.

Brenntag: As a global market leader in chemical distribution, Brenntag has a well-established presence in Chile. [Source: provided context] They act as an intermediary, providing a wide variety of chemicals and ingredients to diverse industries, offering value-added services like logistics and technical support. [Source: provided context]

Volumes and Sizes¶

Quantitative data on volumes and sizes within the Chilean chemical industry is available for specific segments and key players:

The Chile Crop Protection Chemicals Market was valued at an estimated USD 442.63 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 465.44 million in 2025, with a forecast to grow to USD 591.21 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 4.9%. The fruits and vegetables segment accounted for approximately 49% of the market share in 2024, and fungicides dominated the market by product type, representing about 59% of the total market value in 2024.
The Latin America Industrial Explosives Market was valued at USD 1147.7 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1994.18 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.15%. Chile is a significant contributor to this market, representing around 25% of the Latin America industrial explosive market value in 2024. In terms of volume, the Latin America explosives market was approximately 1.48 Million Tons in 2024 and is projected to reach around 2.46 Million Tons by 2034. Mining is the primary end-user, accounting for about 80% of the demand in Latin America.
In the industrial gases market, while specific overall market size for Chile in terms of value or volume is not readily available, Linde and Air Products (Indura) together hold a significant majority, approximately 77%, of the industrial and medical gas market in the country. The Latin America Food Grade Industrial Gases Market was valued at USD 0.68 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1.18 billion by 2032.
Regarding trade volumes, inorganic chemicals, precious metal compounds, and isotopes constituted a significant portion of Chile's exports, reaching USD 9.55 Billion in 2023, representing 10.06% of total exports. Imports of chemicals into Chile were substantial, with 26,935 shipments recorded between March 2023 and February 2024. Fine chemical imports accounted for 334 shipments from November 2022 to October 2023.
Individual Company Volumes and Revenues (most recent available):
- SQM: Reported total revenue of US$4,528.8 million in 2024. [Source: provided context] Key sales volumes in 2024 included 695,000 tonnes of Potash, 982,900 tonnes of Specialty Plant Nutrition, and 534,000 tonnes of NOP and sodium potassium nitrate. [Source: provided context] Lithium and iodine sales volumes reached record levels in 2024. [Source: provided context]
- Molymet: Reported revenue of US$2,064 million in 2024. [Source: provided context] Molybdenum products sold volume was 111 million pounds in 2024. [Source: provided context]
- Enaex: Reported revenue of US$1,916.0 million in 2024. [Source: provided context] Physical sales volume in the first half of 2024 was 888,100 tonnes. [Source: provided context]
- Oxiquim S.A.: Reported revenue of CLP 214,648.55 million in 2023. [Source: provided context]

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