Figure 2 - Global copper concentrate trade network and centrality structure, 2024 3.2 Country-Level Results To move from the regional analysis to a focused country-level assessment, the study adopts a structural relevance criterion rather than a purely volumetric one. Given the heterogeneous nature of trade networks, analyzing all LAC countries individually would introduce descriptive redundancy and obscure underlying structural mechanisms. For that reason, a selection of countries is made based on a combined evaluation of average weighted out-degree and average betweenness centrality over the period 2010–2024. Average weighted out-degree captures sustained export capacity, while betweenness centrality reflects structural influence through brokerage. Applying this approach, Chile and Peru emerge as the primary core exporters, combining high export volumes with significant structural influence. Brazil and Mexico are included as structurally relevant secondary cases due to their connectivity patterns and intermediary potential, despite lower export volumes. This strategy ensures that the country-level analysis focuses on actors with sustained and meaningful influence on network dynamics. 3.2.1 Chile Chile represents the primary structural anchor of the LAC copper concentrate trade network throughout the period. It consistently records the highest weighted out-degree among regional exporters, confirming its position as the dominant supplier to global markets. Export volumes rise steadily between 2010 and 2019 and increase sharply after 2020, reinforcing its central role in meeting global demand. Chile maintains high and stable connectivity, reflecting diversified export destinations. Betweenness centrality is relatively high during the early period but declines after 2020 despite 35
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