Peru’s agricultural export sector is seeing remarkable growth, thanks to strategic government actions aimed at enhancing market access and boosting competitiveness. This year, the government, through the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI), successfully secured 21 new market access opportunities for Peruvian agricultural products in South America, Asia, and Oceania. These efforts further solidify the country’s standing as a key global player in agro-exports and contribute to the sustainability and profitability of its agricultural sector.
Expanding Access to Global Markets
Angel Manero, the head of MIDAGRI, emphasized the importance of diversifying the markets for Peruvian agricultural products. “Given the vast agro-export potential of our country, it is crucial to continue diversifying the destination markets for our products to generate more opportunities for our producers. This is yet another example of how the government is promoting the sector by opening more commercial doors,” said Manero. The new market openings not only offer access to a wider range of consumers but also present opportunities for increased growth in sectors critical to Peru’s economy, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops.
The Peruvian government, through the National Agrarian Health Service (SENASA), is responsible for facilitating these market expansions. SENASA plays a crucial role in ensuring that Peruvian products meet international phytosanitary standards, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the country’s agricultural offerings. By improving product conditions and certifying compliance with established protocols, SENASA contributes significantly to the success of Peru’s agricultural export strategy.
New Market Access in South America, Asia, and Oceania
This year, Peru’s agricultural exports saw notable expansions in South America, Asia, and Oceania. In South America, the country secured new access for a variety of products, including grapes to Ecuador, Tahiti and Eureka limes, as well as oranges, grapefruits, and Hydrangea flowers to Brazil. Additionally, the country gained access to export blueberries and avocados to Colombia and Chile.
In Asia, several key products successfully entered new markets. These included grapes, pecans, walnuts, and frozen fruits like avocados, mangoes, and blueberries to China. Peru also gained access to export avocados to Malaysia and mandarins to Vietnam. Furthermore, in a significant achievement, China declared Peru free of foot-and-mouth disease, which allowed the country to meet the sanitary requirements necessary for exporting beef and pork.
Oceania also saw new openings for Peruvian exports, with products such as oranges, mandarins, grapefruits, and both Tahiti and Sutil limes gaining access to New Zealand.
Peru’s Growing Global Agro-export Position
Peru’s increasing presence in global agro-export markets is a testament to the country’s growing influence and competitiveness. Vilma Gutarra, the head of SENASA, noted, “Peru is one of the leading agro-exporting countries with great potential, continuously establishing itself in the global market as a result of the effective work being done to ensure that Peruvian exports meet the agreed protocols and international standards.”
Over the past decade, Peru has made substantial strides in various agro-export categories. The country has been the world’s leading exporter of blueberries for the past three years, the second-largest exporter of avocados over the last decade, and the top exporter of grapes for the past two years. These accomplishments reflect the country’s commitment to maintaining its position as a key player in the global agro-export market. With a sustained increase in exports year after year, Peru continues to demonstrate its capacity to expand its agricultural production and diversify its export base.
Impressive Growth in Agro-export Revenues
Peru’s agro-export sector has shown significant economic growth. Between January and October of this year, agro-exports reached a total of US$ 9.684 billion, representing a 22.5% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This growth trajectory suggests that by the end of 2024, food exports will likely exceed US$ 12 billion, further solidifying Peru’s position as a global agro-export leader.
The diversification of Peru’s agricultural exports is not only beneficial for the country’s economy but also essential for the growth and sustainability of its agricultural industry. By opening new markets, improving product competitiveness, and enhancing compliance with international standards, the government is ensuring that Peruvian agricultural exports remain in high demand worldwide.
Looking Ahead
As Peru continues to enhance its market access and strengthen its agro-export infrastructure, the country is on track to maintain its upward trajectory in global agricultural trade. The government’s ongoing efforts to diversify markets and improve the competitiveness of agricultural products will contribute to the long-term sustainability of the sector, benefiting both producers and the wider economy. With a focus on innovation, market diversification, and compliance with international standards, Peru is well-positioned to build on its agro-export success in the years to come.
