Chile has secured a new agreement allowing the export of raw and processed wool to India, marking an important step for the country’s sheep and wool industry. The bilateral approval of the necessary certification was announced at Agropat, a Chilean wool producer, and enables formal access to one of the world’s largest textile markets.
According to Álvaro García, Minister of Economy, Development, Tourism, and Energy, “now the opportunity opens up with India, the most populous country in the world, which is growing at a faster rate and is an important producer of textiles in the world. Therefore, it is a crucial market to recover Magallanes’ long tradition in wool. We are taking the first steps in that direction. The opportunity is alive. We have to take advantage of it.”
The announcement follows confirmation from Indian health authorities on October 30 to Chile’s embassy in India. The agreement sets out common animal health standards for importing Chilean wool into India, including requirements for sanitary certification and traceability.
Officials attending the announcement included Álvaro García; José Antonio Ruiz, Presidential Delegate; Irene Ramírez, Regional Ministerial Secretary of Agriculture for Magallanes; and Gerardo Otzen, President of the Magallanes Ranchers Association (Asogama). They visited Agropat’s facility where the first 200 kilograms of bales destined for India were displayed.
García also stated: “the advantages of trade agreements built during this government open up a gigantic market opportunity and I hope that not only will the wool industry grow in Magallanes but other industries as well.”
Ignacia Fernández, Minister of Agriculture, said: “India’s authorization not only expands our wool’s international presence but also recognizes the high sanitary and production standards that characterize Magallanes.” She added: “With this we gain access to the world’s second-largest importer of wool, with annual trade worth US$205 million and nearly 60 thousand tons per year. This milestone adds to our opening with China—the top global importer—consolidating Chile’s presence in both main destinations for wool.”
Irene Ramírez highlighted that this new market access could improve opportunities and prices for coarser wools from Magallanes due to India’s textile manufacturing practices.
Gerardo Otzen commented on expectations: “We have high hopes for India because it’s a new market we’ve never sold to before. They buy much coarser fiber wool. India is a big importer because it manufactures tapestries and carpets, so it offers us a good possibility to sell our products.”
Cecilia Cavada, General Manager at Agroindustrial Patagonia Limitada, explained how exports would proceed: “We know specifically what characteristics each batch we send has. Once samples are sent so they can see our product’s quality and features—and after receiving certification results—we can negotiate prices. So we expect a first shipment soon.”
This commercial alliance enhances Chilean wool’s international profile while acknowledging Magallanes’ production standards. The agreement provides a framework for animal health protection through certification and traceability.
In 2024, more than 5 thousand tons of Chilean wool were exported globally with revenues totaling US$11 million; about 82% by volume and 78% by value went to China.
The development was supported by several agencies including the Ministry of Agriculture (https://www.minagri.gob.cl/), Odepa (https://www.odepa.gob.cl/), Chile’s Agricultural Attaché in India (https://www.chileabroad.gov.cl/india/), and SAG (https://www.sag.gob.cl/).
