The Central Bank of Chile published preliminary data showing the May Monthly Economic Activity Index (Imacec) fell 0.9% from a year earlier. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the index declined 0.2% from April and was down 0.7% on an annual basis. The result was mainly driven by lower mining production, and the month had one fewer working day than May 2025. Non-mining Imacec rose 0.7% from a year earlier, but fell 0.3% from the previous month on a seasonally adjusted basis and increased 1.0% over the past 12 months. By sector, goods production dropped 4.7% annually, led by mining, particularly copper, while manufacturing also declined because of weaker fish processing activity. Trade increased 0.8% from a year earlier, supported by retail and automotive sales, while services rose 1.0%, mainly on health care and education. Compared with the previous month, seasonally adjusted goods production fell 0.1%, trade rose 0.2% and services were unchanged.
Central Bank of Chile2026-07-01
Central Bank of Chile reports May Imacec fell 0.9% on weaker mining output
The Central Bank of Chile said May Imacec fell 0.9% from a year earlier and 0.2% from the previous month on a seasonally adjusted basis. The decline was mainly due to weaker mining output, while non-mining activity still grew 0.7% annually. Trade and services increased from a year earlier, but goods production fell sharply.