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Copec's Q1 profits in Chile fell 8.5% due to a weaker forest unit

Empresas Copec, a Chilean conglomerate of industrial companies, announced Thursday a 8.5% decline in its first-quarter profits. This was partly offset by the stronger performance of the energy sector.

The first-quarter profit was $208 million, compared with $228 million for the same period last year. Revenues increased by 1.8% to $7.25 Billion.

Analysts polled by LSEG had expected a net loss of $220 millions and revenues of $6 billion.

Arauco's core earnings fell by 22.4% due to lower pulp prices, lower volumes and higher wood prices.

Copec reported that while the sector had positive pricing trends, and sales improved towards the end of the third quarter, the overall market conditions deteriorated in the month of March due to escalating tensions with trade partners and newly announced tariffs.

The energy operating income increased on the back of higher sales at Copec Chile and Terpel’s lubricants division, as well as improved results from Abastible due to its new Gasib Unit in Europe, and stronger performances across Latin America.

Copec confirmed that construction on its "Sucuriu Project", a $4.6 billion pulp mill in Brazil, began in April. The plant will produce 3.5 millions metric tons dry cellulose per year, and operations are expected to start in late 2027.

(source: Reuters)