Nadia Helmy, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Beni Suef University in Egypt, has commented on China's port investments in Latin America. She said that these investments aim to secure control over critical export resources, impacting American manufacturers and competition. Her analysis was reported in a recent article.
"Another key driver of this Chinese strategy is the minerals needed to fuel China's rise as a technology superpower," said Helmy. "Beijing has focused its port investments in regions where these vital resources are located. China is the world's largest importer of copper ore, particularly from Chile, Peru, and Mexico. It is also one of the world's largest importers of lithium carbonate, particularly from Chile and Argentina in South America."
According to NewsGD, Chinese companies have increased their presence in Chilean ports through investments and management partnerships. This involvement grants them greater access to export infrastructure, particularly in sectors such as seafood and minerals, where port operations are essential for trade flows. The report highlights the implications of this involvement for global market shipping.
Trendeconomy reported that in 2023, Chile exported over $5 billion worth of fish fillets and other fish meat, establishing itself as one of the leading seafood exporters globally. Seafood exports are a significant component of Chile’s economy and rely on efficient port operations for timely delivery. Chinese investment in Chilean ports could influence these export flows and market access.
The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's 2025 China Fishery Products Report indicates that China's imports of Chilean seafood products have risen sharply alongside its investment in Latin American port infrastructure. The report suggests that this integration of port logistics and import demand has bolstered China's position in the global seafood supply chain. Changes in these dynamics could affect U.S. seafood exporters.
Dr. Helmy holds a PhD in Chinese politics and is recognized as Egypt’s youngest scholar to earn the degree at age 27. She is a director at the South and East Asia Studies Unit at Beni Suef University and has served as a visiting senior researcher at Lund University in Sweden.