Julio Pérez Alván, the president of the Association of Exporters (Adex), stated during the celebration of Exporters' Day, which is commemorated on November 9, that Peru had positioned itself as the fifth-largest exporting country in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2023 (only behind Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina) thanks to the great work of exporters to position their product in international markets.
In his speech, Pérez Alván highlighted the exponential growth in the value of Peru's shipments to the world, which went from $6.87 billion in 2000 to $64.64 billion in 2023, growing by an average annual rate of 10.2%. "It shows the remarkable and sustained progress we've had over the years. We are now the fifth-largest exporter in Latin America, but globally we rank 50th. We still have more markets to conquer," he said.
This increase is also due to Peruvian products' diversification and global reach. Peru is currently the world's largest exporter of fresh grapes and occupies prominent positions in fine alpaca hair and ginger exports. However, the current global macroeconomic situation, coupled with internal and external problems, has affected timber, non-traditional fishing, and non-metallic mining exports.
"As exporters committed to the progress and dynamism of the country, we respectfully ask authorities to make a real commitment and to address the integral problems that affect us all: criminality, informality, illegal mining, and the lack of access to basic quality services for all people," he said.
Prospects
Despite external and internal challenges, businessmen maintain an optimistic outlook, Pérez Alván emphasized. Between January and September 2024, exports increased by 14.6%, and CIEN-ADEX projections point to a 3.3% increase in 2025, reaching an estimated $75 billion.
"ADEX reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting this activity, promoting favorable policies and training to strengthen the country's competitiveness. The public and private sectors are united to consolidate Peru as an exporting power on the global stage," he stressed.
In turn, Desilú León Chempén, the Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, highlighted the daily work of Peruvian exporters, which allows the world to know and enjoy Peruvian goods and services.
"This is a day to highlight the important contribution of these companies to the inclusive and decentralized economic development of Peru. Exporting is not easy, it requires having a good product and the ability to send it correctly to international markets at a competitive price. It takes vision, consistency, innovation, and resilience. These are qualities that have to be developed over time and that demonstrate that we are capable of conquering the world," she stressed.
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