Peru's Exports to China Approach US$33.5 Billion Mark of 2025

Peruvian exports to the Chinese market accumulated US$31 billion between January and September of this year, approaching the US$33.5 billion recorded throughout 2025. This growth is mainly due to the higher international prices of copper and gold, according to ADEX.

Trade between Peru and China continues to set new milestones. Between January and September 2026, Peruvian exports to the Asian giant reached US$31 billion, a figure that represents almost 93% of the total sold throughout 2025, when US$33.5 billion was recorded.

With this result, Peru aims to once again surpass its record for exports to China by the end of this year. This was estimated by Gabriel Arrieta, head of Economic Studies and Commercial Intelligence at the Association of Exporters (ADEX), who attributed the advance mainly to the increase in international mineral prices, especially copper and gold.

"In just nine months of this year, we have exceeded the amount exported in the entire year 2024. This is basically explained by the increase in mineral prices (copper and gold) due to international uncertainty, which have driven the growth of export value. It is more than certain, 99.9% sure, that we will indeed surpass those US$33.5 billion reached in 2025," he stated at the forum "Peru and China: History, Trade and Investment. Balance and perspectives after 55 years of diplomatic relations," organized by the Center for Studies on China and Asia-Pacific of the Universidad del Pacifico.

ADEX's representative explained that the growth of exports to China has been more dynamic than that recorded by Peruvian shipments to the world. While the country's total exports grew at an average historical rate of close to 10%, shipments to the Chinese market advanced at an average rate of 19%.

"The participation of mining, exports of copper and gold, which are also usually considered an important part of the commercial relationship, practically 90% of the exported value is concentrated in that sector," noted the researcher from the Center for Studies on China and Asia-Pacific at UP.

In second place was the fishing sector, which represented approximately 5% of exports to that destination.

However, this latter sector faces difficulties during 2026. ADEX observes a drop in fishmeal shipments due to climatic conditions associated with the El Niño phenomenon, which are complicating the capture of anchovy, the main input for its production.

In non-traditional exports, fishing activity stands out, especially shipments of frozen and canned squid. Arrieta indicated that 2025 was a particularly favorable year for these products and that double-digit growth rates are still observed during 2026.

In the agricultural sector, blueberries registered a slight drop in their exports to China until September. However, ADEX considers that a recovery could occur during the last months of the year and the beginning of 2027, when the season of greater shipments is concentrated. This behavior will also depend on the effects of the El Niño phenomenon on agricultural activity.

Another product with potential is Peruvian cotton. The ADEX representative pointed out that China could become an attractive market for national textiles, although competition should not focus on large volumes, but on quality and differentiation, particularly through Pima cotton.

The commercial relationship between both countries has experienced sustained expansion during recent decades. In 2001, China ranked third among the destinations for Peruvian exports, behind the United States and the European Union.

A new milestone arrived in 2010, with the entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement between both countries. A year later, China became the main destination for Peruvian exports, a position it subsequently consolidated.

During the day, Yi Yuanqing, Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Peru, also participated and referred to cooperation opportunities between both countries.

The diplomatic representative told RPP that the governments are coordinating the modernization of the equipment of the National Emergency Operations Center (COEN), as well as possible support with machinery and materials to face the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.