Get expert guidance on market entry in Chile!
Why Chile?
Chile is one of Latin America’s most attractive markets for foreign investment, thanks to its stable economy, open trade policies, and strong institutional framework. With a GDP of over $311 billion and a population of 20 million, the country offers a promising landscape for businesses looking to expand in the region
Chile has signed more free trade agreements than any other Latin American country, providing companies with access to over 65% of global GDP. Its pro-business environment, strategic Pacific location, and commitment to innovation make it an ideal gateway for businesses looking to establish or expand their operations in South America
Key Data About Chile:
GDP (2024 est) | $311 Billion |
GDP growth (2024 est) | 2.2% |
Imports (2022) | $105 Billion |
Exports (2022) | $99 Billion |
Consumer inflation rate (2024) | 4.5% |
Unemployment rate (2024) | 8.5% |
Population (2024 est) | 20 million |
Capital | Santiago de Chile |
Language | Spanish |
All data sourced from Itaú Bank, except for import and export figures, which are from the World Bank
Challenges of Entering the Chilean Market
Despite its many advantages, entering the Chilean market presents unique challenges. The three key barriers include:
- High Market Competition: Chile’s openness to foreign investment means that many industries are highly competitive, requiring a well-differentiated market strategy
- Complex Regulatory Landscape: While Chile has clear and transparent regulations, navigating legal requirements, tax structures, and labor laws can be complex for newcomers
- Regional Disparities: While Santiago is the business hub, companies looking to expand nationwide must adapt to regional differences in demand, infrastructure, and logistics
How Midas Can Help Your Market Entry in Chile
At Midas Consulting, we provide businesses with the insights and strategic guidance necessary for a successful market entry in Chile. Our local expertise allows us to offer:
- Market entry consulting and competitor benchmarking– Identifying opportunities, industry trends, key competitors, their strengths and weaknesses to help businesses position themselves effectively
- Distributor search – Connecting businesses with reliable local distributors, partners, suppliers, and stakeholders
- Go-to-market consulting – Tailoring strategies to maximize success in Chile’s competitive business environment
Chile’s stable economy and business-friendly environment offer significant opportunities for international companies. However, success requires strategic planning, market intelligence, and expert guidance
Case Example, How We Helped a Client Avoid an Unprofitable Expansion in Chile
Background and challenges
A multinational company was considering expanding into Chile but needed to determine if the market was worth the investment. The key question was whether the super-premium price segment, where the company competed, was large enough to justify a full-scale market entry strategy. However, no reliable data was available for this niche segment, making it difficult to assess the opportunity
Approach
To provide a clear answer, we implemented a two-phase approach:
- Initial Market Screening: We applied our proprietary funneling framework, leveraging secondary research and targeted in-depth interviews to estimate the size and potential of the super-premium segment.
- In-Depth Market Analysis (If Viable): Had the segment shown strong potential, we planned a second phase with extensive in-depth interviews to develop a comprehensive business plan for entry.
Results
Our research revealed that the super-premium segment in Chile was not attractive enough to justify further investment. As a result, our client:
- Avoided unnecessary consulting costs associated with a deep-dive market study
- Saved time and resources by not pursuing a business plan for an unviable opportunity
- Redirected their focus to more promising markets
By making data-driven decisions early in the process, the client minimized risk and optimized their growth strategy—demonstrating how smart market analysis prevents costly missteps
The Value of Saying No—Avoiding Costly Market Mistakes
For our client, entering Chile’s super-premium segment seemed promising—until our research showed otherwise. By identifying market limitations early, we helped them avoid unnecessary costs and refocus on better opportunities. A great consultancy doesn’t just guide expansion; it prevents costly missteps
Looking to expand your operations into Chile? Let’s connect and discuss how we can support your success