Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister Rogers Valencia on Thursday informed that Peruvian agricultural exports to the European Union (EU) amounted to US$1.093 billion between January and June 2018, a 24% rise from the same period a year ago.
Valencia noted this is the highest six-month figure since the entry into force of the
FTA with the EU in March 2013.
"
Agro-exports to the
European Union grew more than 80% in the first six months compared to the same period in 2013, when sales totaled US$602 million," the official underlined.
June 2018 growth was driven by higher shipments of fresh grapes (58%), mangoes (44%),
avocadoes (33%), asparagus (20%),
coffee (15%), and bananas (7%), which accounted for 68% of total exports.
It should be noted the
European Union is the main destination for Peru's agricultural sector exports (37% of participation).
Also, Peru is the world's largest supplier of
avocadoes and asparagus, the second of mangoes (after Brazil), the sixth of tangerines and
coffee, the seventh of fresh grapes, as well as the 11th of bananas.
Total exports
During the first half of 2018, total Peruvian sales to the EU were valued at US$3.477 billion, up 19.3% due to increased demand from the Netherlands (30%), Germany (33%), and Belgium (51%), which accounted for nearly 70% of such increase.
As for foods, the highlights included higher avocado exports to Spain (28%) and the Netherlands (38%), greater sales of giant squid to Spain (47%), as well as increased shipments of mangoes (57%) and blueberries (172%) to the Netherlands.
(END) JJN/JJN/RMB
Published: 8/23/2018