Chile awaits a market improvement in March

The financial difficulties facing various import market operators in Chile have led to a certain slowdown in finalizing new deals, although some players foresee a different tone beginning in March. One agent mentioned offers from Brazil for new shipments in a range of US$5,850-5,900/ton CIF and US$6,100-6,200/ton from Paraguay. Another importer, meanwhile, noted that early March brought “different expectations” regarding consumption in Santiago de Chile, as several butcher shops—which had been closed in February—were resuming activities this week.