The Central Bank of Chile published preliminary April 2026 results for the Monthly Economic Activity Index (Imacec), showing a 1.2% decline from a year earlier, mainly due to weaker mining activity. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the index rose 0.1% from the previous month but was down 0.9% over 12 months. Non-mining Imacec increased 0.4% year on year, was unchanged from the previous month on a seasonally adjusted basis, and rose 0.7% over 12 months. April had the same number of working days as April 2025. Goods production fell 5.4% from a year earlier, driven by lower mining output, particularly copper, with smaller declines in the rest of goods and industry. By contrast, commerce grew 2.1%, with gains across all components, led by motor vehicle sales and maintenance, grocery and online retail sales, and wholesale sales of machinery and equipment. Services increased 0.8%, supported mainly by personal services, especially health, while business services declined. In seasonally adjusted terms, goods production rose 1.2% month on month on stronger industry performance, while commerce fell 1.0% and services slipped 0.2%, reflecting weaker wholesale trade, business services and transport.
Central Bank of Chile2026-06-01
Central Bank of Chile reports April Imacec fell 1.2% on year as mining output declined
The Central Bank of Chile reported that the Monthly Economic Activity Index (Imacec) fell 1.2% year on year in April 2026, mainly due to weaker mining, while rising 0.1% month on month on a seasonally adjusted basis. Non-mining Imacec increased 0.4% year on year, with goods production down 5.4% on lower copper output, partly offset by growth in commerce and services.