Peru’s export sector continues to thrive, with 2024 projected to mark the fourth consecutive year of record-breaking export revenues. According to Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur), total exports are expected to surpass $73 billion USD by the end of the year. This remarkable achievement is the result of collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors, as well as targeted trade promotion strategies designed to penetrate new international markets.
Agricultural exports play a pivotal role in this success, representing the largest share of non-traditional goods sent abroad. In 2023, Peruvian agricultural exports reached $9.5 billion USD. From January to October 2024 alone, the sector achieved $8.664 billion USD, positioning it to exceed the previous year’s total by year-end. Leading this charge are high-demand products such as blueberries, avocados, and mandarins:
- Blueberries: With export revenues of $1.657 billion USD in 2024, a 49.2% increase compared to the previous year, blueberries solidify their position as Peru’s top agricultural export. Peru is the world leader in blueberry exports, underscoring its dominance in this lucrative market.
- Avocados: Ranking second globally, behind Mexico, Peru’s avocado exports remain a cornerstone of its agricultural sector.
- Mandarins: Thanks to expanding opportunities in international markets, mandarins continue to show steady growth.
Looking ahead, emerging products like sour cherries, pitahayas (dragon fruit), and sweet cherries offer promising opportunities for export growth. These products are increasingly gaining recognition in global markets, presenting a chance for Peru to diversify its export portfolio further.
The ongoing success of Peru’s agricultural exports can be attributed to the country’s focus on strengthening export companies, improving production capacity, and maintaining high standards of quality to meet international demand. Additionally, government and industry partnerships have facilitated access to new markets, enabling Peruvian farmers and exporters to capitalize on global trends favoring fresh and high-quality produce.
Peru’s agricultural export sector continues to set new benchmarks, driven by strong performances in blueberries, avocados, and mandarins. The introduction of new products like pitahayas and cherries underscores the sector’s potential for sustained growth and diversification. By leveraging these opportunities and maintaining a collaborative approach, Peru is well-positioned to remain a leader in global agricultural trade.