Peru: Copper accounts for 30.5% of exports in 2025's first four months

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09:05 | Lima, Aug. 5.

The strategic importance of copper remains strong, consolidating its position as Peru's leading export product and representing 30.5% of total shipments between January and April 2025, the Ministry of Energy and Mines (Minem) reported.

Likewise, accumulated exports of the red metal in the first four months of 2025 totaled US$8.113 billion, a 15.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024 (US$7.022 billion), according to Minem's Mining Statistical Bulletin.

China maintained its dominance among the destination countries for the metal, accounting for 74.2% of total shipments, driven by the context of the global energy transition.

Japan ranked second with 6%, followed by Germany with a 3.6% share.

Meanwhile, gold remains another key pillar in Peru's export portfolio.

Between January and April 2025, total gold shipments reached US$6.272 billion, showing a notable increase of 44.7% compared to the same period in 2024 (US$4.336 billion).

Among the destinations for gold exports, the United Arab Emirates led (a 25.7% share), followed by Canada (20.2%) and India (17.3%), confirming the strong global demand for this metal.

For its part, zinc —a key mineral for various technologies such as solar panels, energy storage, and wind power— recorded accumulated foreign sales totaling US$858 million through April 2025.

Its main destinations were China (49.7%), Spain (7.0%), and Brazil (6.2%).

According to Minem, these figures reflect the mining sector's solid performance and reaffirm its role as one of the main drivers of Peruvian economic growth.

"In this regard, the Ministry of Energy and Mines continues to work toward a decentralized, modern, and inclusive mining industry that serves the country's development," it emphasized.

(END) NDP/MDV/MVB

Published: 8/5/2025