Chile · TRADE
Key Facts
- —What happened Chile and the US met in Santiago on 24 August 2026 to discuss the 12.5% tariff.
- —How big The tariff affects salmon, timber, fruits, wine, and other Chilean exports to the US.
- —The catch The talks aim for exemptions, not an immediate removal of the tariff.
- —Who pays Sectors like salmon, timber, fruits, and wine are affected; copper was excluded.
- —What comes next More negotiations are planned over the coming weeks.
- —Key figure US deputy trade representative Jeffrey Goettman led the American delegation.
High-level delegation meets in Santiago to seek relief from the 12.5% US tariff on Chilean goods.
Chile US tariff talks began in Santiago on Monday 24 August 2026. The topic was the 12.5% tariff on Chilean exports.
The Meeting in Santiago
Chile and the United States held a high-level tariff meeting in Santiago on Monday 24 August 2026. The Chile US tariff talks took place at Chile’s Foreign Ministry, with follow-up work scheduled for Tuesday 25 August.
The US delegation was led by Jeffrey Goettman, deputy representative at the Office of the United States Trade Representative, known as USTR. Chilean Undersecretary Paula Estévez hosted the meeting for her country.
The purpose was to review priorities in Chile’s export basket and seek better market access. Both sides exchanged information on the importance of these products for Chile and the US market.
The meeting is part of a broader process to address the 12.5% tariff imposed on Chilean goods. The tariff was linked to concerns about forced-labor issues in the supply chain.
Background of the Tariff
The US formalized a 12.5% tariff on a wide range of Chilean imports on 23-24 July 2026. The measure took effect on 24 July 2026, affecting sectors like salmon, timber, fruits, and wine.
Copper exports were excluded from the tariff, but many agro-industrial and forestry products were hit. This created significant concern among Chilean exporters and business associations.
The tariff was implemented under a Section 301-type measure related to forced-labor concerns. This type of measure allows the US to impose duties on goods from countries with alleged trade violations.
Chile’s Foreign Ministry convened exporters in late July 2026 to coordinate a response. They developed a negotiation strategy to seek exemptions and eventually restore zero tariffs.
Key Participants
Paula Estévez, Undersecretary of International Economic Relations, led the Chilean side. Her office is known as Subrei, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Jeffrey Goettman, the number two at USTR, led the US delegation. He met with Estévez in a reserved session at the Foreign Ministry.
Chile’s Foreign Minister Francisco Pérez Mackenna has been leading the broader policy line. He coordinated early strategy meetings with exporters and business groups.
Representatives from agribusiness, forestry, salmon, and wine associations were involved in preparation. However, they were not the main negotiators at the 24 August high-level session.
What Was Discussed
The meeting reviewed the priorities of the Chilean export basket under the new tariff regime. Both sides exchanged information on the importance of these products for their economies.
They agreed to continue discussions in the coming weeks, focusing on better conditions for Chilean export sectors. The goal is to strengthen the economic and trade relationship between the two countries.
A closing or coordination meeting was scheduled for the morning of Tuesday 25 August. This session was meant to define a roadmap for continuing negotiations in the following weeks.
The discussions aim to identify areas that allow progress towards mutually beneficial solutions. Both sides expressed a commitment to high-level political and technical dialogue.
Chilean Government Statements
Undersecretary Paula Estévez said the visit reflects a willingness to continue working to find solutions. She described the process as serious negotiations with a long-term perspective.
The government emphasized the visit is an important signal of the value both parties place on the process. They stressed their willingness to maintain high-level political and technical dialogue.
Chile intends to continue to work constructively to identify areas for progress. The objective is defending Chile’s interests and improving market access conditions for national products.
The statements were made in public messaging after the 24 August meeting. They signal ongoing talks rather than a one-off encounter with the United States.
Wider Negotiation Process
The August meeting is described as a central milestone in a phased negotiation plan. It follows earlier strategy meetings between Chile’s Foreign Ministry and exporters.
Chile’s goal is to expand the list of products exempt from the 12.5% tariff. The ultimate aim is restoration of zero tariffs as per the Free Trade Agreement conditions.
The US delegation was expected in late August after earlier announcements in July. The visit by Goettman was anticipated as part of the ongoing diplomatic effort.
Both sides have committed to additional negotiations over the coming weeks. This indicates a sustained process rather than a quick resolution to the tariff dispute.
Impact on Chilean Exports
The 12.5% tariff affects key sectors of Chile’s export economy, including salmon and wine. These products are important for Chile’s trade relationship with the US.
The Chile US tariff talks aim at exemptions and a return to zero tariffs. Copper was excluded from the measure from the start.
Exemptions could provide relief for specific products, but the process is uncertain. The Chile US tariff talks aim to secure better conditions under the new tariff regime.
Chile’s export basket priorities were reviewed in the meeting. The information exchange helps both sides understand the stakes involved in the tariff dispute.
Next Steps
Follow-up work was scheduled for Tuesday 25 August 2026 to define a roadmap. Additional negotiations are planned over the coming weeks between the two governments.
The Chilean government expects to continue working constructively with the US. They aim to identify areas that allow progress towards mutually beneficial solutions.
The next meetings will likely focus on specific product exemptions and market access. Both sides have expressed a willingness to maintain high-level engagement.
No immediate removal of the tariff is expected, but progress is anticipated. The ongoing Chile US tariff talks will determine the future of trade relations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the Chile US tariff talks in August 2026?
The talks aimed to address the 12.5% tariff on Chilean exports to the US. The goal was to seek exemptions and better market access for key products.
Who led the US delegation in the Santiago meeting?
Jeffrey Goettman, the deputy representative at the USTR, led the US delegation. He met with Chilean Undersecretary Paula Estévez.
Which products are affected by the 12.5% tariff?
The tariff affects salmon, timber, fruits, wine, and other agro-industrial products. Copper exports were excluded from the measure.
What did Chile’s government say after the meeting?
Chile said there is willingness to continue working to find solutions. They described it as a serious negotiation with a long-term perspective.
What are the next steps in the tariff negotiation process?
Both sides agreed to continue discussions in the coming weeks. A closing session was set for 25 August to define a roadmap for further negotiations.
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