Major Imports and Exports of Peru: Products and Trade Partners

Peru was among the top 10 fastest growing economies in 2015. It dropped out of the top 10 in 2016, but the major imports and exports of Peru still drive a healthy economy, thanks largely to a wealth of natural resources.

Both the major imports of Peru and the major exports of Peru listed below are taken from Trading Economics, which updates its information on a regular basis. Less important but nonetheless significant imports and exports have been compiled from Trading Economics and a variety of other sources, including World’s Richest Countries and The Observatory of Economic Complexity.

Major Exports of Peru

Peru is a resource-rich nation, which is both a source of economic stability and social and environmental instability. Mining operations and oil drilling are a threat to the natural environment, including within the Amazon Rainforest. The push and pull of multinational operations inside Peru, and the level to which successive governments provide access to resources, will likely remain a source of controversy and protest for many years to come.

Peru shipped an estimated US$33 billion to US$38 billion worth of goods around the globe in 2016, placing it in about 50th position in the list of countries by exports. The top exports of Peru (approximate % of total exports) going into 2017 are:

Other important exports of Peru include:

• Lead ore
• Fruits and nuts (including grapes, mangoes, avocados, bananas and citrus fruits)
• Animal fodder and animal pellets
• Coffee (Peru is one of the world’s major coffee-producing countries)
• Fish
• Vegetables (including asparagus, artichokes, paprika peppers and onions)

Peru’s main export partners are China (34 % of total exports), the United States (11%), Switzerland (7%), South Korea (6%) and India (6%). India, Chile and Canada are also significant export partners with Peru.

Notable illegal exports of Peru include cocaine and counterfeit money. Peru is the world’s largest producer of cocaine alongside Colombia (the two countries keep on overtaking each other). It is also considered one of the world’s most sophisticated producers of counterfeit money, including dollars that end up in the USA.

Major Imports of Peru

In 2015, Peru bought in about US$38 billion worth of imported products. Peru’s major imports are:

Other important imports of Peru include:

• Electronic equipment (including computers, TVs, telephones and telecommunications equipment)
• Plastics
• Iron and steel
• Cereals (wheat and corn)
• Pharmaceuticals (vaccines and medicines)
• Rubber

Peru’s main import partners are China (23% of total imports), the United States (17%), Brazil (6%), Mexico (5.3%) and South Korea (5%).