Overview
Safety and security risks are growing in Chile due to a rise in organized crime, narcotrafficking, and strained border security. The safety and security sector is expected to continue to grow as demand for security equipment, services, and technologies remains strong. According to The Center for Studies in Security and Organized Crime at the University of San Sebastián (CESCRO), concerns regarding public safety in Chile reached an all-time high at the start of 2024. CESRO reports that homicide and home robbery rates have doubled since 2014, and police cases associated with violent crimes have risen by 27 percent since 2020. In addition, theft in all categories increased in 2024, according to the Chile Country Security Report. The current situation offers U.S. suppliers opportunities in the Chilean market where U.S. technology is highly regarded, and the United States holds a 15 percent market share. However, price is always a top consideration, and U.S. companies must compete with suppliers from China, Germany, Spain, France, and India.
Chile’s security ecosystem consists of several ministries and other government actors. The Carabineros de Chile and the Policía De Investigaciones (investigative police or PDI) have primary responsibility for day-to-day public safety. The Carabineros are Chile’s national law enforcement, responsible for preventive policing, traffic enforcement, crowd control, and emergency response. The PDI handles criminal investigations for severe felonies, including political violence, human trafficking, immigrant smuggling, and crime reduction initiatives, including the Microtráfico Cero (MT-0), a nationwide initiative targeting micro-trafficking of drugs. The Carabineros and the PDI both report to the Ministry of Public Security, which was separated and established as a separate entity from the Ministry of the Interior in January 2025.
The Ministry of Public Security is responsible for strategic alignment of the Carabineros, PDI, the Undersecretariat of Crime Prevention and the Office of National Emergencies to maintain public order. Following the establishment of the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Interior has turned its focus to security policy initiatives. The Ministry of National Defense, on the other hand, manages and operates the Chilean Armed Forces as directed by the President. The Chilean government allocated a budget of approximately $2.545 billion to the Armed Forces in 2024, and $2.145 billion to the Carabineros in 2025 marking a slight increase in funding.
Crime in Chile has become more organized, more violent, and more transnational following the pandemic, according to CESCRO. In response, the Carabineros plan to add 1,300 additional officers along with the replacement of 1,000 vehicles in the police fleet. Both the Chilean government and the private sectors are facing pressure to increase spending. The “Law on Private Security” is planned to be introduced in the second half of 2025 and will expand the resources and support of private security, seeking to unify current regulations and their application criteria for provide private security services. Private vendors face a range of registration requirements while selling to government entities. However, increased business opportunities are presented in defense capabilities, such as tasers, which were previously prohibited for use by the Carabineros.
In reaction to irregular border migration, human trafficking and cross-border crime, Chile deployed armed forces to Arica y Parinacota, Antofagasta, and Tarapacá to support police under Decree 78 in 2023, marking increased attention towards border security. The prison population in Chile has increased from approximately 43,000 in August 2022 to approximately 54,800 in February 2024, while system capacity is 41,800, according to Insight Crime. Consequently, prisons are facing 130 percent occupancy, as noted by PMC. As a result, the Justice Ministry launched modernization plans in 2023 for new prison headquarters, expanded powers, more security equipment, and the completion of La Laguna Prison in Talca. Given the current environment of security in Chile, Chilean authorities are interested in high-quality U.S. surveillance systems, detection technologies, and biometric data platforms.
Natural disasters also pose a serious safety concern, primarily considering the Atacama seismic gap has a high probability of experiencing a major earthquake in the next five years (Sismológico Nacional). Coastal and rainy areas in Chile are also susceptible to flooding and landslides, while the country’s central and northern arid regions have an increased risk of wildfires, especially following substantial rain deficits in the past few years.
Leading Sub-sectors
- Crime prevention and detection equipment and services
- Municipal monitoring balloons
- Bodycams, radios, and repeaters
- AI predictive security models
- Warning systems
- Access control equipment
- Detection systems for checkpoints
- Radio navigation and radio remote control devices
- Protective/safety clothing and footwear
- Equipment and systems for working at height
- Fire control equipment and systems
- Volcanic monitoring equipment
Opportunities
Following the creation of the Ministry of Public Security enacted in 2024, the 2025 Chilean state budget included a 15 percent increase in public security spending compared to 2022-2024 levels. This included an additional $100 million for the “Street without Violence” project,”, a security program for 46 communes throughout Chile considered to be more seriously affected by violence and crime. By the end of 2025, revenue in the security market is expected to reach $42 million, with an annual growth of over 9 percent, with heightened prevalence in markets such as surveillance systems, equipment distribution, and detection technologies. Cybersecurity solutions are also increasingly a focus of evolving security needs and infrastructure considerations. In Chile, U.S. technology is often perceived as being of high-quality and reliable; however, highly competitive pricing from non-U.S. companies is often perceived as a more realistic option for tight budgets.
U.S. suppliers interested in doing business in the Chilean market should consider establishing a presence in the country. The ideal local agent or representative should be well connected with key potential clients including the Armed Forces, Carabineros, and the investigative police or PDI.
Your Direct Link to the U.S. Embassy’s Security Network
Joining the U.S. Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) Chile Country Chapter is one of the best ways for U.S. businesses to stay ahead of security challenges while operating in Chile. Membership connects companies directly with the U.S. Embassy’s Regional Security Office (RSO) and a trusted network of private-sector peers, ensuring they receive timely updates, actionable intelligence, and practical tools to keep their people and operations safe. Active participation gives businesses a distinct competitive edge, helping them anticipate risks, strengthen resilience, and demonstrate a strong commitment to duty of care for their employees. U.S. companies can sign-up at www.osac.gov and once registered, companies are immediately plugged into the Embassy’s security ecosystem, gaining unparalleled access to valuable briefings, alerts, and collaboration opportunities.
Table: Chile Safety and Security Market (US$ Millions)
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 estimate |
Total Exports | 7.3 | 7.7 | 8.7 | 5.9 |
| Total Imports | 197 | 166 | 234 | 238 |
| Imports from the U.S. | 25 | 23 | 33 | 19 |
| U.S. Trade Surplus (Deficit) | 25 | 23 | 32 | 18 |
| U.S. Share of Imports | 13% | 14% | 14% | 8% |
Unit: $ million, 2025 estimates based on first six months of 2025
Source: Global Trade Atlas: (HTS 830110, 830130, 830140, 830300, 842410, 848140, 852550, 852580, 853010, 853080, 853090, 853110, 870510, 870530, 902229, 930190, 930200, 930330, 930390, 940180)
Trade Shows
Seguridad Expo, October 1-3, 2025, Santiago, Chile: An international trade fair on safety and security sectors. An estimated 5,000 professionals are expected to visit the trade fair.
Resources
- Ministry of the Interior and Public Security
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Corporación Nacional Forestal (National Forestry Corporation, CONAF)
- Oficina Nacional de Emergencia (National Office of Emergency, ONEMI)
- Carabineros de Chile (Chilean Police)
- Policía de Investigaciones (Investigative Police, PDI)
For more information, contact U.S. Commercial Service Chile Commercial Specialist Felipe Bascuñán.