What does Peru Export?

Peru's Diverse Export Portfolio:

Peru has strengthened its position as one of Latin America's leading export economies. Recent trade reports show that the country reached record export levels in 2025, driven by strong demand for mining products, agricultural exports, fisheries, and manufactured goods. Copper, gold, zinc, silver, and agricultural products remain among the top exports from Peru, while non-traditional exports such as blueberries, avocados, grapes, cacao, and specialty coffee continue expanding their presence in global markets.

Peru's economy remains dependent on commodity exports, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in international prices. Throughout its history, the country has experienced periods of growth linked to global demand for natural resources. While these industries generate investment and employment, the extraction of minerals and other commodities has also created environmental and social challenges that continue to be debated across the country.

Export Category	Main Products
Mining	Copper, Gold, Silver, Zinc, Lead
Agriculture	Avocados, Blueberries, Coffee, Cocoa, Asparagus
Fishing	Anchoveta, Tuna, Mackerel
Energy	Petroleum Gas
Manufacturing	Textiles, Food Processing, Chemicals
Services	Tourism

Peru's Diverse Export Portfolio

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. For readers interested in where Peru exports most products, Asia and North America continue to be among the country's most important markets.

As per the Economic Complexity Index, Peru constitutes the 59th largest export economy in the world, and also the 91st most complex economy across the globe. In the year 2014, goods worth up to 39.8 billion USD were exported from Peru. In the same year, the import of goods was calculated to be 42.3 billion USD. Being the fifth most highly populated country in South America with a population of almost 30 million, Peru has shown tremendous tenacity in terms of controlling inflation as well as unemployment in the last few years.

Peru's economy is dependent on commodity exports, making the economy at risk due to price volatility in the international markets. The Government of Peru displayed little interaction in the public sector throughout the nation's history since the economy frequently experienced commodity booms. The extraction of such commodities has brought conflict within the country due to its environmental and social impacts.

 

Ancient Peruvian Gold

 

Mining

Mining is a major pillar of the Peruvian economy and remains the country's largest export sector.

Peru is one of the world's leading producers of copper, silver, gold, zinc, lead, tin, boron, and molybdenum. The country consistently ranks among the top global mining economies and plays an important role in supplying minerals used in construction, manufacturing, renewable energy technologies, and electronics worldwide. Experiencing these unique landscapes is a top highlight for travelers looking to visit Peru and discover its destinations.

• One of the world's leading producers of copper
• One of the world's leading producers of silver
• A major producer of gold
• A major producer of zinc
• A major producer of lead
• An important producer of tin
• A significant producer of boron
• A significant producer of molybdenum

Peru was once the world's largest producer of silver and was also one of the five largest gold producers in the world.

Mining continues to dominate Peru's export sector, with copper and gold accounting for the largest share of mining export revenues. The industry attracts substantial international investment and supports economic activity across many regions of the country, particularly throughout the Andes.

What Minerals Does Peru Export?

For readers asking what minerals does Peru export, copper remains Peru's most valuable mineral export. The country is also a major exporter of gold, silver, zinc, lead, tin, and molybdenum. Together, these resources account for a significant share of Peru mining exports and continue to play a central role in the country's economy.

 

Peruvian Open-Pit Copper Mine

Petroleum and Derivatives

Petroleum and natural gas products remain an important component of Peru's export portfolio. While mining continues to dominate export revenues, energy-related exports contribute to the diversification of the country's resource-based economy. In 2020, Peru exported $1.41B in Petroleum Gas, making it the 29th largest exporter of Petroleum Gas in the world. In the same year, Petroleum Gas was the 4th most exported product in Peru.

Peru exports petroleum gas and other energy products to international markets, helping support industrial development and trade throughout the region. The country's hydrocarbon resources are concentrated primarily in the Amazon region and along parts of the northern coast.

Although energy exports represent a smaller share of total exports than mining and agriculture, petroleum and natural gas continue to play a role in Peru's traditional export sector and broader economic activity.

 

Peruvian Petrol Station

 

Peru Agricultural Exports

Peru is one of the 5 largest producers of avocado, blueberry, artichoke, and asparagus, one of the 10 largest producers in the world of coffee and cocoa, one of the 15 largest producers in the world of potato and pineapple, and also has a considerable production of grape, sugarcane, rice, banana, maize, and cassava; its agriculture is considerably diversified.

The widest variety of potatoes in the world are found on Peruvian soil, with more than 3,000 native varieties cultivated throughout the Andes. Potatoes have been an essential part of Peruvian culture and agriculture for thousands of years and remain one of the country's most important food crops. This unique ancient link makes the highlands a perfect setting for travelers looking to enjoy deep cultural vacations in Peru.

In recent years, Peru agricultural exports have expanded rapidly, driven by strong international demand for products such as blueberries, avocados, grapes, coffee, cacao, and asparagus. These non-traditional exports have helped diversify the country's economy beyond mining while strengthening Peru's position in global food markets.

Peru's Growing Non-Traditional Exports

While mining remains Peru's largest export sector, non-traditional exports have become one of the country's fastest-growing industries. Products such as blueberries, avocados, quinoa, grapes, and specialty coffee have expanded Peru's presence in international markets and increased the value of agricultural exports.

For many travelers, these products are more than export statistics. Coffee, cacao, quinoa, and fresh produce play an important role in Peruvian gastronomy and can be experienced firsthand in local markets, restaurants, and farming communities throughout the country.

 

Peruvian Potatoes

Coffee and Cocoa

Peru ranks among the world’s countries with the greatest biological diversity and the fourth as regards the diversity of plant species. This is a key piece in understanding not just the world boom of Peruvian cuisine where chocolate fills a privileged niche, but also the great potential and quality of Peruvian chocolate. Good flavor, made possible by a combination of taste and scent, of drinking, bar, and other chocolate presentations, is the result of the combined effect of the diversity of species, soils, and climates for cacao. That is why Peruvian chocolate and more generally Peruvian cacao are gaining increasing world acceptance. Peru is also one of the world’s major coffee-producing countries.

The quality of Peruvian cacao is influenced by a combination of native varieties, diverse ecosystems, soils, and microclimates found throughout the country. These conditions contribute to the distinctive flavors and aromas found in Peruvian chocolate, which continues to gain recognition in international markets.

Peru is also one of the world's important coffee-producing countries, with coffee cultivation supporting thousands of farming families across the Andes and Amazon regions.

Does Peru Export Coffee?

Yes. Peru exports coffee to markets across North America, Europe, and Asia, where demand for specialty and sustainably produced coffee continues to grow. High-altitude regions such as Cajamarca, Amazonas, Junín, Cusco, and San Martín are among the country's most important coffee-producing areas.

Peru is also gaining recognition as a producer of high-quality cacao used in premium chocolate products worldwide. Together, coffee and cocoa rank among Peru's most valuable agricultural exports and contribute significantly to rural economies throughout the country.

 

Peruvian Coffee Plantation

 

Fish

Peru is an international leader in fishing, producing nearly 10 percent of the world's fish catch.

Commercial deep-sea fishing off Peru's coastal region of over 3,000 km (1,860 mi) is a major enterprise. Peruvian waters normally abound with marketable fish: bonito, mackerel, drum, sea bass, tuna, swordfish, anchoveta, herring, shad, skipjack, yellowfin, pompano, and shark. More than 50 species are caught commercially.

There are over 40 fishing ports on the Peruvian coast, Paita and Callao being the most important centers. The country's cold Humboldt Current creates exceptionally productive marine ecosystems, helping make fishing one of Peru's most important export industries.

 

Lima Fishing Boats

 

Vegetables

Peru exports Potatoes, asparagus, artichokes, paprika peppers, and onions.

Peru exports fresh asparagus to 41 countries around the world. Peru is also the largest exporter of canned asparagus. Exports of canned asparagus amount to 149.6 million dollars annually. The main markets are Spain, France, and the United States.

Americans consume over 500 million pounds of asparagus each year. Peru accounted for about 40% of the value of all U.S. asparagus imports.

The country has also become an important supplier of specialty agricultural products, with Peruvian vegetables reaching international markets throughout the year thanks to diverse growing conditions along the coast, Andes, and Amazon regions. This incredible geographical diversity spans all the way from the capital to the stunning landscapes of Puno and Lake Titicaca.

 

Peruvian Asparagus

 

Quinoa

Peru remains one of the world's leading quinoa producers and exporters. In 2024, Peruvian quinoa exports generated approximately US$140 million, reflecting continued international demand for this Andean grain in markets such as the United States, Canada, and several European countries. Quinoa remains one of Peru's most recognized agricultural exports and an important source of income for farming communities across the Andes. In 2020, Peru exported approximately 51 million kilograms of quinoa, which represented an export value of nearly 124 million U.S. dollars. Compared to the previous year, the amount of quinoa exported from the Andean country increased slightly, from 49.5 million kilograms.

Export performance continued to show positive results in 2025, with shipments maintaining strong growth in both volume and value. International demand for quinoa has helped strengthen Peru's position in global food markets while contributing to the expansion of the country's non-traditional agricultural exports.

Peru Quinoa Export Value

Peru remains one of the world's leading quinoa exporters. International demand for this nutrient-rich grain has helped strengthen rural economies across the Andes while positioning quinoa among Peru's most recognized agricultural exports worldwide.

For travelers visiting Peru, quinoa is also one of the easiest export products to experience firsthand, appearing in traditional soups, modern cuisine, breakfast dishes, and regional specialties throughout the country.

 

Quinoa

Manufacturing

Peru has developed a medium manufacturing sector. The sector now represents 23 percent of the GDP and is tied heavily to mining, fishing, agriculture, construction, and textiles. Manufacturing is mainly devoted to processing to gain a value-added advantage. The most promising sector is textiles, metal mechanics, the food industry, the agricultural industry, manufacturing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and services.

Recent years have been positive for Peruvian textile exports. Driven by shipments of cotton products such as T-shirts, cardigans, and shirts, cotton T-shirts continue to rank among the country's leading textile exports. Cotton shirts and cardigans also remain important products in international markets, reflecting the continued relevance of Peru's textile industry within the manufacturing sector.

 

Peruvian Cotton Field, Ica

Tourism

Tourism has represented a new growth industry in Peru since the early 1990s, with the government and private sector dedicating considerable energies to boosting the country's tourist destinations both for Peruvians and foreigners.

Peru is a country that generates trust for foreign investors, as it continues to have one of the lowest country risks in the Latin American region despite political uncertainty during recent government transitions. The country is also an attractive destination for travelers seeking cultural, historical, and nature-based experiences.

Visitors can enjoy activities ranging from luxury Amazon cruises and private desert experiences to the famous Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu. Many of Peru's best-known exports, including coffee, cacao, quinoa, textiles, and gastronomy, can also be experienced firsthand during a journey through the country.

Tourist at Machu Picchu

Discover Peru Beyond Its Exports

Peru's exports tell the story of a remarkably diverse country, from the copper mines of the Andes and the fishing ports of the Pacific coast to the coffee farms, cacao plantations, and quinoa-growing communities spread across its mountains and rainforest regions. These industries help shape local communities and offer visitors a deeper understanding of modern Peru.

For travelers, exploring the places behind these products adds another dimension to the journey. Whether sampling coffee in the highlands, learning about cacao production in the Amazon, or discovering traditional weaving techniques in the Andes, Peru offers meaningful cultural connections alongside its famous landmarks.

If you're planning a visit, Valencia Travel can help you experience both Peru's iconic destinations and the traditions that make the country unique. Our carefully crafted itineraries combine world-famous sites such as Machu Picchu with authentic cultural, culinary, and nature experiences throughout Peru.