Trade Balance in Chile

The trade balance measures the difference between the value of Chile's goods exports and imports in a given month. It is published by the Central Bank of Chile and is a key reference for an economy heavily dependent on copper exports.

The balance is obtained by subtracting goods imports (CIF/FOB) from exports (FOB), based on the external trade records compiled by the Central Bank of Chile. It is expressed in millions of US dollars.

A surplus brings in foreign currency and supports the Chilean peso; a deficit drains it. Because copper exports carry so much weight, the balance is highly sensitive to the metal's price, so it steers expectations for the peso and for central bank policy.

It is very volatile month to month owing to seasonality and commodity prices, so the rolling twelve-month total is a better guide. The figures are revised and do not capture services trade.