• Market of the Month, Chile
• Top U.S. Export Destinations, Latin America
• U.S. Policy Developments
• Signature Events & Programs
• Global Events
• Contact Us

Market of the Month, Chile

Although Chile covers a small geographic area relative to its neighbors, many companies consider Chile to be a regional leader in Latin America and an excellent platform for doing business in South America. As an open market with free trade agreement signed with over 60 countries, Chilean citizens enjoy access to a wide variety of goods and service sourced worldwide. While the United States is a top trading partner with Chile, U.S. exporters will face strong competition in the market. To be successful in becoming a registered supplier in the aerospace and defense industry, U.S. companies need to have a local presence in Chile, either with a local partner, agent, or distributor who is well-connected to potential clients or by opening an in-country branch office.

Aerospace

The Chilean market will continue to offer high demand for aircraft parts and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. By far, these services concentrate the largest demand in the aerospace sector. The largest and main supplier of MRO services in Chile is the state-owned company, ENAER (Empresa Nacional Aeronautica de Chile) that provides MRO services mainly to the Chilean Air Force (FACh) but it also serves the Chilean Army, Navy, and civil aircraft. There are many other smaller service providers that compete mainly to provide services to civil aircraft operations. SKY and LATAM airlines have their own maintenance centers, and American Airlines has a maintenance center serving aircrafts that fly daily to the United States.

Defense

During 2011-2020, Chile invested significantly in the modernization of defense equipment, which it intends to properly maintain upgrade as necessary. The Chilean Armed Forces have shown high interest in dual-purpose equipment, which can serve for humanitarian purposes. In keeping with rapid technology advances, Chile is considering the use of state-of-the-art technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, data analysis, and unmanned vehicles, among others. These technologies will also require hardware and software platforms for systems and processes than can handle large volumes of information in limited time.

Space

Chile is making strides to develop its national aerospace sector and is eager to face new challenges. Its new National Satellite System (SNSat) contemplates 10 satellites that will make up a national satellite constellation allowing the replacement of the FaSat-Charlie satellite that fulfilled its useful life. This process is already underway to build 3 minisatellites of about 100 kilos and seven microsatellites of up to 20 kilos is considered by 2025. Eight of these satellites will be built entirely in Chile. A new National Space Center will be inaugurated in 2023, which will include a laboratory to manufacture satellites, a space mission control center, a center for analysis and processing of geospatial information, and a Center for Space Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Upcoming Events:

For companies seeking in-person opportunities to enter the Chile market, there are several upcoming events of interest:

• FIDAE – International Air and Space Fair 2022
  Santiago, Chile
  April 5-10, 2022
  The International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE) is the apex aerospace, defense and security exhibition of Latin America, globally recognized as a leading industry event in drawing participation for top military officials and private sector providers across the region. Key focus areas include: Space technology, civil-commercial aviation, defense and security, UAV/RPAS (Drones), aircraft support and maintenance, airport equipment and services, and more.

• FIDAE - Space Summit 2022
  Santiago, Chile
  April 6-8, 2022
  The Space Summit will bring together organizations involved in the National Satellite System (SNSat), where the Chilean Air Force plays a fundamental role in its implementation. Key topics for discussion include space operation, geoinformation, satellite communications, space and legal policy, space domain awareness, launchers and rockets. Chile’s space educational programs and space technology development will also be discussed in depth.

• EXPONAVAL 2022
  Valparaiso, Chile
  November 9 - December 22, 2022
  EXPONAVAL 2022, jointly organized by the Chilean Navy and FISA/GL Events Group, is an international exhibition which has been held every two years since 1998. It has become an important regional event, serving as a meeting point for Latin American navy officials and exhibitors of technology for the global defense industry, shipyards, maritime technology, security, and telecommunications industries, among others.

We are located in U.S. Embassies & Consulates worldwide and major U.S. cities across the country.  Contact us to learn more about how we can assist your exporting business.  

Meet Isabel Valenzuela, Aerospace & Defense Commercial Specialist U.S. Embassy - Chile Isabel.Valenzuela@trade.gov

Top U.S. Export Destinations, Latin America

U.S. Policy Developments

Changes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule Enter Into Effect

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) publishes the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), provides continuous review, and periodically recommends modifications of the HTS to the President. In April 2021, the USITC published a final set of recommended modifications to the HTS, which is in line with the World Customs Organization’s scheduled revisions. On December 23, 2021, the White House released a proclamation making changes to the HTS official for the U.S., which go into effect 30 days after publication.

The changes include a new code in Chapter 88 for unmanned aircraft systems (8806) and a replacement of 8803 (aircraft parts) with 8807 (aircraft parts, including UAS). As well, Chapter 88 will include a new note that defines “unmanned aircraft” as “any aircraft, other than those of heading 8801, designed to be flown without a pilot on board”. A distinction is made, however, between unmanned aircraft and flying toys (designed solely for amusement purposes). The changes took effect on January 27, 2022, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is actively enforcing the new HTS changes.

Contact us if you have questions about the changes.

Signature Events & Programs

• ITALY'S SPACE SECTOR: WEBINAR AND VIRTUAL MATCHMAKING PROGRAM
  FEBRUARY 22-25, 2022
  
  Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Italian space industry has remained resilient. With an annual turnover of $2.4 billion, Italy’s industrial base covers the entire value chain, from the upstream (satellite infrastructures and launching systems) to the downstream sector (services and applications). Italy’s 200 enterprises, 12 technology clusters, and 3 industrial associations are driving advances in human spaceflight and exploration, supporting a tracking and data relay satellite system, and contributing to international missions contributing orbiting, equipment and surface elements. Join the International Trade Administration for a free webinar on Italy’s Space Sector which will feature speakers from the US Embassy Rome, Italian Embassy (DC), NASA, Italian Space Agency, Lockheed Martin Space, and Italian Space Industry Associations. This webinar will be followed by three days of virtual matchmaking for US and Italian supply chain firms.

  WEBINAR DATE: February 22, 2022 at 10:00am EST
  COST: Free for U.S. companies
  REGISTER: Please click HERE

  VIRTUAL MATCHMAKING DATES: February 23-25, 2022
  COST: $75 for US firms
  REGISTER: Please Click Here

  Questions on this program? Please contact: Melissa.Grosso@trade.gov; Paul.Matino@trade.gov; Maria.Calabria@trade.gov

Global Events

• Singapore, Feb. 15-20, 2022
  Singapore Airshow
• Saudi Arabia, Mar. 6-9, 2022
  World Defense Show
• India, Mar. 10-13, 2022
  DefExpo India
• Washington, D.C., Mar. 21-24, 2022
  SATELLITE
• Malaysia, Mar. 28-31, 2022
  Defense Services Asia (DSA)
• Chile, Apr. 4-8, 2022
  FIDAE
• Canada, Apr. 4-7, 2022
  International Aerospace Week 2022
• Seattle, WA, Apr. 11-13, 2022
  Aerospace & Defense Supplier Summit
• Tunisia, May 11-15, 2022
  International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition
• Romania, May 18-20, 2022
  Black Sea Defense, Aerospace and Security (BSDA)
• France, Jun. 13-17, 2022
  Eurosatory
• Germany, Jun. 22-26, 2022
  ILA Berlin - Pioneering Aerospace
• U.K., Jul. 18-22, 2022
  Farnborough
• Thailand, Aug. 29 - Sep. 1, 2022
  Defense Security
• Poland, Sep. 6-9, 2022
  International Defense Industry Exhibition (MSPO)
• South Africa, Sep. 21-25, 2022
  Africa Aerospace & Defense (AAD)
• Orlando, FL, Oct. 18-20, 2022
  NBAA-BACE
• Indonesia, Nov. 2-5, 2022
  Indo Defence

Contact Us

Our mission is to increase U.S. exports, enhance job creation, strengthen national security, promote and protect U.S. commercial interests abroad, and deliver customized solutions to ensure that U.S. businesses compete and win in the global marketplace. Export assistance is provided to U.S. companies who manufacture goods and/or provide services of at least 51% U.S. content. We assist companies in the following areas: International Trade Counseling, Business Matchmaking, Market Intelligence, Customized Services, and much more. Contact Us to find your local International Trade Specialist.

Please direct newsletter questions to Erica Ramirez at Erica.Ramirez@trade.gov. 

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Resource Guides

Export Statistics

Monthly U.S. Civil Aircraft, Engines, and Parts Exports

Exports (billions, USD)

Top 10 U.S. Civil Aircraft, Engines, and Parts Export Destinations
(December 2020 - November 2021)

12-Month Total Exports (billions, USD)

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