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Aquaculture market guide

Aquaculture in Chile: suppliers, costs and project planning

FishMatch Group helps commercial buyers in Chile source aquaculture equipment and complete farm projects through a private, human-reviewed RFQ process. Key species are salmon, trout; typical water temperatures are 8–16 °C and industrial electricity costs about USD 0.17 per kWh.

Chile is the second-largest salmon producer; freshwater smolt RAS and sea-cage upgrades are the main capex drivers. Environmental and sanitary rules are tightly enforced.

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Key planning facts

Main species
salmon, trout
Common systems
Cages, RAS (recirculating)
Water temperature
8–16 °C
Industrial electricity
USD 0.17 / kWh
Water cost
≈ USD 1.60 / m³
Compound feed
≈ CLP 1,488 (≈ $2) / kg
VAT / GST on equipment
19%
Currency
CLP (≈ 930 / USD)
Licensing authority
SERNAPESCA and SUBPESCA
Main import ports
Puerto Montt, San Antonio and Valparaíso
See vetted supplier categories for Chile

What to check before requesting quotes in Chile

  1. Confirm your water source and year-round temperature (8–16 °C) for salmon.
  2. Budget energy carefully: at about USD 0.17/kWh, pumping and aeration are a major operating cost.
  3. Start permits and environmental licensing early with SERNAPESCA and SUBPESCA.
  4. Plan equipment logistics and lead times through Puerto Montt, San Antonio and Valparaíso.
  5. Check water rights or tariffs: municipal water costs about USD 1.60 per m³, so RAS make-up water and pond filling need a secured source.
  6. Budget taxes: standard VAT/GST is 19% on equipment; ask about import duty exemptions for aquaculture.

Electricity: GlobalPetrolPrices business tariffs (2026). Water tariffs and exchange rates are estimates; VAT is the standard national rate.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a fish farm cost in Chile?

An indicative 250-tonne-per-year RAS in Chile costs roughly CLP 2.2B (≈ $2.4M) – CLP 3.4B (≈ $3.7M) in equipment and installation, before land and buildings. Ponds and cages usually cost less per tonne. Use the calculator for your species and scale, then request supplier quotes.

Which fish and shrimp are farmed in Chile?

Commercial projects in Chile mainly focus on salmon, trout.

Who licenses aquaculture in Chile?

Licensing and environmental approval usually involve SERNAPESCA and SUBPESCA. Requirements change, so confirm with the authority before committing capital.

Does FishMatch Group sell equipment?

No. FishMatch Group is an independent, human-reviewed sourcing service. We qualify your project, match it with vetted suppliers and keep supplier details private until an introduction is approved.

More Chile questions: see the market FAQ

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