Economic impact of salmon farming in Chile

The companies associated with SalmonChile are committed to the development of both the country and the regions where they operate. To this end, they make various financial contributions to improve the quality of life of all communities.

The salmon farming industry in Chile is one of the fastest growing in the country. But what does its economic contribution or impact mean for the regions where it operates?

Salmon farming in Chile is mainly carried out in the regions of Biobío, La Araucanía, Los Lagos, Aysén, and Magallanes. In addition to its economic contribution, it is a source of employment for thousands of families.

Contribution to the national and regional economy

In 2021, the economic impact of the salmon farming industry in Chile represented 1.7% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), equivalent to USD 4.65 billion. These figures increase when viewed from a more local perspective.

Salmon farming is important for the economy of several regions. It contributes 19.4% of GDP in Aysén. In Los Lagos, it represents 11.3% of GDP. In Magallanes, it contributes 2.2% of GDP.

These figures have helped to create jobs and better living conditions for areas far from the center of the country.

Economic and social contributions

The economic impact of the salmon industry extends beyond direct salmon production. Salmon companies in Chile, associated with SalmonChile, contribute to the treasury and local communities. In 2023, total contributions to the treasury, including licenses, contributions, and taxes, reached $29.238 billion.

In addition, the industry generates direct and indirect employment, with total worker compensation of $289.632 billion in 2023. Purchases from domestic suppliers, including hardware stores, laboratories, diving services, food, among others, totaled $3.2 trillion. This reflects the integration of salmon farming with other productive areas of the country.

Seventy-four percent of the salmon industry’s purchases are made from suppliers in Biobío and further south. The biggest beneficiaries are Los Lagos, with $1,563,205 million, and Magallanes, with $109,982 million, underscoring the crucial role of this industry in the regional economy.

Contribution to local communities

The salmon industry also plays an important role in the development of local communities. In 2023, SalmonChile members paid $15.748 billion in expenses, of which $9.804 billion was for aquaculture licenses.

These payments not only represent a significant source of income for local governments, but also promote decentralization and regional development.

In 16 of the 35 municipalities that receive income from aquaculture licenses, these resources represent more than 10% of their permanent income. This money is essential for many areas. It helps improve services and quality of life in the communities where salmon companies are located.

Chilean salmon continues to be relevant to growth and well-being in southern Chile. Salmon farming is a key source of income and development for many families who depend on this industry in the country.

Jobs generated by the salmon industry

The salmon farming industry has been able to offer quality jobs with above-average wages for the southern part of the country. Seventy-three percent of the workforce resides in the Los Lagos region.

According to SalmonChile estimates, around 86,000 people work throughout the industry’s value chain. Of this total, 45,000 work in salmon production companies. Meanwhile, 41,000 work in thousands of small and medium-sized companies that offer their services to the industry.

SalmonChile member companies alone account for a total of 26,107 jobs. Of these, 18,549 are held by men and 7,558 by women. This includes production sites, farming centers, and the entire production chain.