Chile: Potato seed exports complicated by border crossing closures

The closure of border crossings between Argentina and Chile due to snow accumulation in the Andes Mountains is causing significant logistical delays, leaving trucks stranded and increasing costs for international land trade. This particularly affects time-sensitive cargo with deadlines, such as Chilean seed potato exports destined for regional markets like Uruguay and Brazil. 

The most affected corridor is the Los Libertadores–Cristo Redentor pass, the main land route connecting the two countries. According to recent reports, the pass has been closed for two weeks due to heavy snowfall, leaving approximately 1,200 trucks stranded on the Chilean side and hundreds more in Argentina. In 2025, this corridor saw the transit of more than 427,000 trucks and the movement of over 6.5 million tons of goods, underscoring its strategic importance for bilateral and regional trade.

Although the disruption doesn’t necessarily lead to immediate shortages, it does generate additional costs, detours, and a loss of predictability. Trade associations involved in foreign trade indicate that some cargo must be redirected to alternative border crossings such as Jama to the north or Cardenal Samoré to the south, increasing distances, transit times, and costs.

For the agricultural sector, the problem is exacerbated by the seasonal nature of potato seeds, whose delivery is tied to planting schedules in the destination countries. During the first half of 2026, potato seeds accounted for 36% of the sector’s export volume and 25% of its FOB value, although they experienced a year-on-year decline of 9% in volume and 23% in value.

Uruguay, Brazil, and Guatemala are among the main destinations for these Chilean exports, with Uruguay accounting for 56% and Brazil for 14% of the FOB value during the period mentioned. A large portion of these exports are still pending shipment.

Uruguay and Brazil stand out as essential markets for Chilean seeds, based on previous records. In May 2026, it was reported that these seeds were exported to both countries, while in 2025, shipments of certified seeds to Brazil were highlighted for their genetic, varietal, and sanitary quality, supplying the processing industry.

In this context, border closures can impact not only the physical arrival of shipments but also the commercial and production planning of buyers. Prolonged delays cause additional costs due to waiting times, rescheduling of transport, potential diversions, and greater documentary and operational uncertainty at the borders. For importers, there is a risk of receiving seeds outside the optimal planting window or with less time for distribution.