These are the Commercial Relations between Mexico and Chile: SE

The political map of South America changed color this Sunday, December 14. With the victory of conservative José Antonio Kast in Chile’s presidential elections, the regional left loses a key stronghold. However, beyond ideology, economic diplomacy has immediately been set in motion. Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, reacted with institutional pragmatism to the victory of the candidate considered far-right. Through her X account, she sent a clear message of continuity. “I trust that both governments will continue working for the good of our countries and the region,” after congratulating the Chilean people on a democratic election day.

What’s at Stake? The Numbers of the Relationship

Beyond the formal greetings, there is an annual commercial exchange exceeding 3.313 billion dollars (USD). According to data from the Ministry of Economy (SE), Mexico maintains a strategic relationship with the Andean nation, characterized by a trade deficit and a strong dependence on mining inputs. By the close of 2024, the balance of trade leaned in favor of the South American nation.

Regarding imports, a total value of 2.072 billion dollars was reached. The primary import is Refined Copper and Alloys, with purchases totaling 441 million USD. This material is vital for the technology and construction industries in states like Jalisco – which imported 455 million USD – and Mexico City.

Regarding exports, they totaled 1.241 billion dollars. The main driver of Mexican shipments is automobiles, valued at 130 million USD. The entities that sent the most products south were Mexico City (400 million USD), the State of Mexico (205 million USD), and the industrial hub of Nuevo León (133 million USD).

Within this commercial framework between Mexico and Chile, a revealing data point in the bilateral relationship is the capital flow. From January to December 2024, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Chile to Mexico amounted to 231 million USD. Surprisingly, the state of Durango positioned itself as the main recipient of Chilean capital, attracting 88.9 million USD, surpassing traditional destinations like Jalisco (66.9 million USD) and the nation’s capital.

In another area, the human connection also remains active. In Q3 2025, the flow of remittances was almost symmetrical: Mexico received 2.2 million USD from Chile, while 1.99 million USD were sent there. Furthermore, the Chilean community in Mexico, primarily concentrated in Mexico City, Quintana Roo, and Jalisco, exceeds 3,600 people, serving as a cultural and business bridge. With the arrival of

to power, the challenge for the Sheinbaum administration will be to maintain fluid supply chains (especially copper) and protect the Mexican automotive market in the Southern Cone, regardless of ideological differences.

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