Chile Industrial Output Falls Sharply in May

Chile’s industrial production fell 7.5% year-on-year in May 2026, following a 4.7% decline in April, marking the sharpest drop since March 2017. The mining production index dropped 10.6%, driven by a 13.0% contraction in metallic mining, mainly due to lower copper extraction and processing, which fell 12.9%. Manufacturing output also declined 7.2% from a year earlier, largely reflecting a 10.9% drop in food production. In contrast, utilities output rose 1.0%, supported by stronger electricity generation, which increased 1.7%, mainly due to higher solar power production. On a monthly basis, industrial production fell 0.4%.

Chile’s industrial production fell 4.7% year-on-year in April 2026, following a 3.4% contraction in the previous month. The decline was mainly driven by mining activity, as the mining production index dropped 9.0% due to a 12.6% contraction in metallic mining. Copper extraction and processing fell 13.8%, reflecting a high comparison base and lower ore grades at major producers. Manufacturing output also weakened, declining 2.5%, largely due to a 7.7% drop in food production. In contrast, utilities output rose 0.9%, supported by a 2.3% increase in electricity generation. On a monthly basis, industrial production edged down 0.2%.

Industrial production in Chile fell 3.4% year-on-year in March 2026, following a 1.3% decline in February. This marks the sixth month of contraction, and the sharpest since February 2025. Manufacturing output dropped 4.5% extending a 3.0% decline in the prior month as copper output fell 9%. Mining contracted 3.7% after a 0.2% expansion in February. Utilities production rose 1.4% after growing 0.5% in the previous month.