August 10, 2026

Peru Boosts Exports and Strengthens Its Role in Regional Trade

The country exported US$35 billion in the first four months of 2026 and is solidifying its position as one of the main drivers of foreign trade in Latin America.

Peru's foreign trade continues to show signs of strength. Between January and April 2026, the the country's exports reached US$ 35,907 million, representing growth of 36.1% compared to the same period last year. 

Beyond the record achieved, the figure confirms a trend that has been taking hold over the past two years: Peru is not only exporting more, but is also expanding its presence in new markets, strengthening strategic sectors, and reaffirming its role as one of the region’s leading players in international trade. 

Peru's Exports: Mining, Agribusiness, and Fishing

Although mining remains the main driver of Peruvian exports, the growth recorded during the first four months of 2026 also extended to other productive sectors. Of the US$35,907 million in exports, approximately three-quarters were mining products, while the agriculture and livestock sector and the fishing sector also accounted for a significant share. 

The following breakdown illustrates the relative importance of each activity in Peru's foreign trade: 

Industry Exports, January–April 2026 Percentage of the total Year-over-year change
Mining US$ 26,418 million 73,6% +52,5%
Agriculture and Livestock US$ 3,918 million 10,9% +7,3%
Fishing US$ 1,817 million 5,1% +10,6%
Forestry US$ 23 million 0,1% +10,8%
Other sectors US$ 3,731 million 10,4%
Total US$ 35,907 million 100% +36,1%

Peruvian Export Companies: The Share of MSMEs Is Growing

Another indicator of the sector's consolidation is the number of companies that are now part of the export ecosystem. 

During the first four months of 2026, 6,735 exporting companies, of which approximately 64% were micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). 

The participation of MSMEs highlights the importance of companies of various sizes within Peru’s export ecosystem and their growing presence in international markets. 

China Leads Peru's Exports, and Asia Takes Center Stage

China remains the leading destination for Peruvian exports, particularly due to demand for copper and other strategic minerals. However, the trade landscape is also beginning to feature new key players. 

India recorded one of the highest year-over-year increases in purchases of Peruvian products, while markets such as Canada, Switzerland, and Japan also significantly increased their imports. 

This diversification helps reduce dependence on a single export market and strengthens the resilience of Peru’s foreign trade in the face of changes in the international economic landscape. 

Infrastructure and Logistics: An Increasingly Strategic Factor

The growth in exports also highlights the need for a logistics infrastructure capable of supporting that volume of operations. 

In this context, investments such as the Puerto de Chancay are beginning to reshape the logistics landscape of the South American Pacific. Its ability to streamline connections with Asia, reduce transit times, and expand operational capacity positions Peru as an increasingly important logistics hub for regional trade. 

At the same time, the increase in operations requires strengthening logistics planning, optimizing document management, and anticipating the risks associated with international transportation, especially in supply chains that are becoming increasingly complex and interconnected. 

What does this growth mean for Latin America?

Peru’s export performance extends beyond the country’s borders. An increased flow of goods means more opportunities for logistics operators, carriers, insurers, customs brokers, and companies involved in international trade throughout the region. 

Furthermore, this momentum strengthens the Pacific trade corridors and helps establish Latin America as a strategic supplier of critical minerals, food, and higher-value-added products to international markets. 

In a landscape where supply chains are seeking greater resilience, diversification, and efficiency, the growth of Peru’s foreign trade is a positive sign for the entire region and confirms that logistics will continue to play a key role in Latin America’s economic development. 

The growth of trade also calls for greater protection of business operations

The growth of Peru’s foreign trade represents an opportunity for the entire logistics chain, but it also presents new challenges. As operations, trade routes, and destination markets expand, it is essential to have tools that enable companies to manage the risks associated with international transportation and ensure the continuity of each operation. 

In this context, Hanseatica supports exporters, importers, and logistics operators with solutions designed to safeguard every stage of the supply chain, including: 

  • Cargo Insurance: Provides coverage against loss or damage that may affect the cargo during transit, whether by land, sea, or air.  
  • Container Insurance: Protects containers against damage, loss, or liability arising from their use during logistics operations.  
  • Civil Liability Insurance for Logistics Operators: Provides coverage against claims for damages to third parties arising from logistics operations, helping to protect companies’ assets.  

Protecting Operations in an Expanding Foreign Trade Business

The growth of Peruvian exports and the opening up of new markets create opportunities for companies throughout the foreign trade chain, but they also entail greater exposure to risks during transportation and at the various stages of each operation. Anticipating these scenarios and having adequate coverage allows businesses to expand with greater security and predictability. 

In Hanseatica, we support companies involved in foreign trade with specialized solutions and advice to identify customized coverage that best suits the characteristics and needs of each transaction. 

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