Thursday, November 5, 2026
Bolivian cargo mobilized through the Port of Arica surpassed the volume recorded by September 2025 and represented 72% of the total throughput. Meanwhile, Peruvian cargo shows a 15% increase.
Bolivian cargo in transit through the Port of Arica exceeded 1.7 million tons between January and September 2026, registering an 8% growth compared to the same period of the previous year. With a 72% share of the total throughput, Bolivia maintains its position as the main market, reaffirming the importance of the regional terminal for the development of its foreign trade.
The increase was driven by Bolivian imports, which totaled over 660,000 tons, a 29% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Exports, meanwhile, totaled over 1 million tons.
The General Manager of Empresa Portuaria Arica (EPA), Jorge Cáceres, highlighted the link with the Bolivian market and the importance of continuing to strengthen the port's services.
"This growth reinforces the importance of Bolivia for the Port of Arica and our responsibility to continue developing a logistics platform that responds to the needs of its importers and exporters. As EPA, we are committed to promoting investments, strengthening the coordination of the logistics chain, and maintaining a permanent dialogue with our clients and actors in Bolivian foreign trade. We want this link to translate into better services and new opportunities for the integration of the Andean Macrozone," he stated.
He also highlighted the work carried out by Terminal Puerto Arica (TPA), whose commitment and continuous investment in technology, equipment, and training of its workers contribute to improving operational efficiency and strengthening the port's competitiveness in the service of foreign trade.
Peruvian Cargo
For its part, accumulated Peruvian cargo by September exceeded 165,000 tons, with a 15% increase compared to the same period of the previous year, which consolidates the Port of Arica as a port serving the northern macrozone.
The EPA executive highlighted that the Port of Arica has handled a total of 2.3 million tons to date, representing a 6% growth compared to the same period in 2025.
Regarding regional foreign trade, accumulated imports reached 226,000 tons, while exports totaled 134,000 tons, both representing 15% of the port's total throughput. The balance shows an accumulated increase of 19% in container movement measured in TEUs.
In this regard, Jorge Cáceres stated that these results reinforce the role of the Port of Arica as a platform for Bolivian foreign trade, as well as the importance of continuing to develop and advance in optimizing infrastructure, improving port capacities and services, and strengthening commercial ties, thus enhancing the connection of the Andean Macrozone with international markets, especially in the Asia Pacific.
