Chile is at the forefront of trade innovation in Latin America because to the ACSA 1 program. More than just a logistical boost, the ACSA 1 direct shipping route gives Chile and its neighbors a geopolitical edge.

Introduction: A New Era for Chile – Asia Trade

When DP World introduced ACSA 1, the country's first direct weekly shipping line to Asia, Chile reached a watershed in its export history. As per Chile Import Data. By Import Globals, by eliminating expensive diversions and delays, this route now provides Chilean exporters with a direct marine access to important Asian ports including Busan, Shanghai, Ningbo, and Yokohama.

Chile’s Export General Overview

The Significance of Shipping Link

Chile's economy is mostly dependent on exports. The Chilean National Customs Service reports that 40% of all shipments came from Asia in 2025, when the country's exports exceeded $100 billion. As per Chile Export Data by Import Globals, transit time is important for perishable exports such as wine, salmon, cherries, and grapes. By bypassing feeder and transshipment stops at the Panama Canal and West Coast ports, the ACSA 1 route reduces delivery times by as much as 30%.

Chile’s Top Exports to Asia

Highlights of the Route and Ports

Starting in San Antonio, the busiest port in Chile, ACSA 1 sails straight to Yokohama, Japan; Shanghai and Ningbo, China; and Busan, South Korea. According to Chile Import Export Trade Data by Import Globals, the service makes stops at Posorja, Ecuador, and Callao and Chancay, Peru, on the way back. For exporters in nearby nations, this also opens up a new Pacific gateway.

This weekly cycle, which consists of a mix of imports and exports, can handle about 4,000 TEUs every voyage. Schedule reliability and travel time are greatly increased by doing away with feeder stations.

Impact on Sectors: From Oceans to Orchards

Fruit is being delivered to Asian stores by direct sailings in around 18 to 20 days, maintaining its quality and shelf life. Patagonian salmon growers also profit. As per Chile Import Custom Data by Import Globals, faster shipping allows fillets to arrive in Japan's sushi markets fresher, which helps exporters fetch higher pricing, according to Import Globals.

Time Savings With ACSA?1 Direct Route

Remarks from the Field: "We save two weeks of journey time by using direct shipment. That's what separates a loss from premium fruit, according to O'Higgins cherry grower María Rojas. "For us, ACSA 1 is more than a new route; it’s access to better prices and loyal buyers."

Infrastructure and Investment

DP World has invested more than $1 billion in infrastructure in Latin America in the last ten years. Among the upgrades for San Antonio are new container cranes, bigger yards, and advanced digital tracking systems. As per Chile Import Trade Analysis by Import Globals, DP World's 2025 operational report states that ACSA 1 has enabled the port to accommodate an additional 4,000 TEUs per week.

Innovation in the Cold Chain

A smooth cold chain is necessary for exporting perishable goods. In San Antonio, DP World has set up additional facilities for reefer containers and on-dock cold storage. As per Chile Export Data by Import Globals, this guarantees that wine, seafood, salmon, cherries, and other products remain at their best during the journey.

Regional Cooperation: Peru's and Ecuador's Benefit

Also on board are nearby economies. The same direct service is used by Ecuadorian shrimp farmers and Peruvian grape exporters, removing redundant pathways and increasing export potential. As per Chile Import Data by Import Globals, this increases the Pacific Alliance's overall bargaining power with Asian purchasers.

Benefits of a Global Supply Chain

The route coincides with worldwide shipping difficulties, such as the congested Panama Canal and geopolitical unrest in the Suez area. ACSA 1 protects Latin American exporters from certain global interruptions by providing a direct and reliable connection to Asia. Over the next two years, experts predict that ACSA 1 will boost high-value exports to Asia by 10% to 15%.

Plans for the Future

DP World intends to keep a careful eye on cargo quantities. As per Chile Import Trade Statistics by Import Globals, the corporation may add more ships, raise frequency to more than once a week, and add new port calls if demand continues to grow. Ports in Southeast Asia, such as Singapore, and Buenaventura, Colombia, may be included to the rotation.

Chile's Strategic Advantage

As per Chile Import Shipment Data by Import Globals, it enhances the nation's logistical independence and solidifies its position as a reliable supplier to the fastest-growing consumer markets around the globe.

The Opinions of Industry Leaders

In a GlobeNewswire statement, the CEO of DP World's Latin America division stated: "The ACSA 1 service demonstrates our dedication to bringing producers and consumers together more quickly, reliably, and affordably. Here's how we create robust supply chains.

Conclusion

As per Chile Import Export Global Data, the area benefits from quicker market access, more earnings, and more stable supply chains when South America's Pacific coast is directly connected to Asia. As per Chile Import Export Trade Analysis by Import Globals, ACSA 1 shows how wise investment and teamwork can maintain the flow of fresh fruit, fish, and minerals to the largest markets in the world while global commerce faces new obstacles. Import Globals is a leading data provider of Chile import export trade data. Subscribe to Import Globals to get more global trade details.

FAQs

Que. What is ACSA 1?
Ans. A direct weekly shipping service linking Chile to Asia, launched by DP World in 2025.

Que. Which ports does it connect to?
Ans. San Antonio (Chile), Busan (South Korea), Shanghai & Ningbo (China), Yokohama (Japan), Posorja (Ecuador), Callao & Chancay (Peru).

Que. What does it export?
Ans. Mainly fresh fruit, seafood, wine, copper, and lithium.

Que. Why is it important?
Ans. It cuts costs and transit times, improves freshness, and helps exporters stay competitive.

Que. What are the plans?
Ans. DP World may increase capacity, frequency, and include more ports if demand grows.

Que. Where can you obtain detailed Chile Export Import Global Trade Data?
Ans. Visit www.importglobals.com or email info@importglobals.com for more information on up-to-date data.