🇳🇮 Nicaragua vs 🇨🇱 Chile Tariffs — Import Duty Comparison (2026)

🇳🇮

Nicaragua

Section 122 Rate10%

Section 301N/A

Section 232 (Metals)50%

Trade AgreementCAFTA-DR

Trade Volume$4.5B

Base Effective Rate10%

🇨🇱

Chile

Section 122 Rate10%

Section 301N/A

Section 232 (Metals)50%

Trade AgreementUS-Chile FTA

Trade Volume$30B

Base Effective Rate10%

Product Overlap

Both countries export these product categories to the US:

Gold

🇳🇮 Nicaragua Advantages

+Unique export categories: Textiles, Coffee, Beef

🇨🇱 Chile Advantages

+Higher US trade volume ($30B vs $4.5B)
+Unique export categories: Copper, Lithium, Salmon

When choosing between Nicaragua and Chile as import sources, US businesses must weigh tariff rates, trade agreements, product availability, and supply chain logistics.

Both countries face the same base tariff rate of 10% on most goods entering the United States.

Both countries export Gold to the United States, creating direct competition in these sectors.

In terms of trade volume, Nicaragua accounts for approximately $4.5B in bilateral trade with the US, compared to Chile's $30B.

Both countries are subject to the 10% Section 122 tariff imposed on February 24, 2026, following the Supreme Court's ruling striking down IEEPA tariffs. This rate expires approximately July 24, 2026 unless Congress extends it.

Nicaragua's advantages include: Unique export categories: Textiles, Coffee, Beef. Chile's advantages include: Higher US trade volume ($30B vs $4.5B); Unique export categories: Copper, Lithium, Salmon.

With equivalent base tariff rates, the choice between Nicaragua and Chile depends primarily on product-specific duties, shipping costs, lead times, and supply chain considerations rather than the base tariff rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has lower tariffs — Nicaragua or Chile?

Both countries face the same base Section 122 tariff of 10%. The difference comes from product-specific duties, Section 301 (China only), and Section 232 (metals).

Should I switch sourcing from Nicaragua to Chile?

The decision depends on more than tariff rates. Consider total landed cost (shipping, insurance, customs fees), lead times, quality standards, minimum order quantities, and supply chain reliability. With equivalent base rates, focus on non-tariff factors.

Do both Nicaragua and Chile face the same Section 122 tariff?

Yes, both countries are subject to the 10% Section 122 tariff imposed on February 24, 2026. This flat rate replaced the variable IEEPA tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court. It expires approximately July 24, 2026.

What products overlap between Nicaragua and Chile exports to the US?

Both countries export Gold to the US. Nicaragua has total bilateral trade of ~$4.5B while Chile has ~$30B.