Exports increased 8.6 per cent to 3.58 million tonnes in 1998 versus 3.30 million tonnes in 1997, it said in a statement. The value of the exports last year sank 22.9 per cent to $5.28 billion from $6.85 billion in 1997 because of a plunge in the price of the red metal, it said. For the first time in seven years, Western Europe overtook Asia as the no 1 destination for shipments of Chilean copper. Of total exports, 39.5 per cent, or 1.41 million tonnes, landed in Western Europe last year compared with 1.02 million tonnes in 1997.

Last year, the United Kingdom and Italy opened their borders to 4,07,100 tonnes and 2,99,200 tonnes, respectively. Germany and France took 2,25,500 and 1,77,400 tonnes, respectively. Asia, nevertheless, followed close behind with 38.9 per cent, or 1.39 million tonnes last year, down from 1.59 million tonnes in 1997.Japan continued to be the no 1 recipient with 6,22,700 tonnes, or 17.4 per cent of total exports last year.

Exports to South Korea dived to 1,85,200 tonnes last year from 2,97,600 tonnes in 1997. The Americas took 21.3 per cent, or 7,64,300 tonnes, of total exports last year, compared with 6,31,900 tonnes in 1997. Exports to Mexico more than doubled to hit 1,86,200 tonnes last year from 88,500 tonnes in 1997. Other regions received just 0.3 per cent, or 12,500 tonnes, in 1998 versus 54,900 tonnes in 1997.