stressed that the solid macroeconomic indicators recorded so far in 2026 are consolidating private-sector trust and laying the foundations for sustained growth with social impact.
Remarks were made during a meeting with ComexPeru's Board of Directors.
The government official underscored that Peru's economy maintains solid fundamentals that allow for projections of a year marked by higher investment, job creation, and advances in closing gaps.
The Cabinet member noted that Peru has accumulated inflation of 1.7% over the 12 months through January 2026, within the target range; international reserves amount to 30% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the region's highest level.
The minister stressed that Peru has a country-risk level of 134 basis points—the second-lowest in the region—and a 4.25% monetary-policy rate, among the most competitive.
"These indicators reflect stability, predictability, and macroeconomic strength," she emphasized.
Leading indicators
Minister Miralles said that leading indicators through February 2026 confirm the positive trend.
As of February 21, imports of capital goods rose 10.1%, in line with the 11.6% recorded in January, reflecting stronger business commitment to long-term investment.
As of February 22, electricity demand grew 1.9%, following a 3.9% expansion in January.
In parallel, BBVA's Big Data Consumption Index rose 16.8% as of February 7, after increasing 18.3% in January, pointing to sustained momentum in household spending.
"All of this points to an excellent year in terms of growth, increased investment, higher collection, and economic development with a social focus," Minister Miralles emphasized.
"When the economy grows with stability, it generates more formal jobs, higher household income, and better conditions for closing gaps in infrastructure, health, and education," she added.
The MEF's head said that, following a strong close to 2025 with 3.4% growth, 2026 is shaping up as a buoyant year.
Business expectations at the 3- and 12-month horizons remain in optimistic territory, pointing to stronger expansion in private investment.
"In 2026, we will lead regional growth at 3.2%, underpinned by private-sector confidence and solid macroeconomic fundamentals," she underlined.
The government official recalled that the strong economic performance in 2025 was reflected in the labor market as well.
"National employment grew 1.5%, its largest expansion in the past four years, with significant advances in sectors such as services and commerce. Likewise, average monthly income reached S/1,887 (US$561), the highest level on record and the largest increase in 16 years, reflecting a real improvement in purchasing power and greater labor-market strength," she detailed.
Foreign trade and logistics hub
Minister Miralles underscored that strengthening foreign trade is key to sustaining growth and generating decentralized employment.
In 2025, Peruvian exports climbed 23.7%, the highest rate in the region, reaching US$93 billion, with a target of US$100 billion in 2026.
The Cabinet member mentioned that traditional exports grew 24.6% in 2025 compared with the previous year, while non-traditional exports increased 14.4%.
This performance enabled Peru's trade balance to post a record surplus of US$34.573 billion in 2025, equivalent to 10.1% of GDP.
"This result strengthens our currency, increases foreign-currency inflows, enhances competitiveness, and generates thousands of jobs linked to export chains in the country's regions," she said.
Currently, Peru has 23 trade agreements that provide preferential access to 58 markets.
In addition, five agreements are at the technical report stage: optimization of the free trade agreement with China, the FTA with Hong Kong, the FTA with Guatemala and its protocol, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Indonesia, and the FTA with El Salvador.
Likewise, negotiations are underway on the FTA with India, the FTA with Thailand, the deepening of the Economic Complementation Agreement with Uruguay, and a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates, in addition to investment-protection agreements with all four countries.
"These agreements will consolidate Peru as a reliable and attractive partner for global investment, expand markets for our companies, and strengthen our integration into global value chains," she indicated.
Moreover, Minister Miralles noted that work is underway to boost the logistics corridor linking the Callao Port, Jorge Chavez International Airport, the Ancon Industrial Park, and the Port of Chancay, through special economic zones, industrial promotion, and rail infrastructure.
She added that the Port of Callao and the Port of Chancay will be able to handle 5.4 million TEU per year, a capacity comparable to that of the Port of Santos (Brazil) and Panama's Caribbean port.
"We are laying the foundations for Peru to consolidate its position as the South American Pacific logistics hub. More trade, more investment, and higher productivity mean more opportunities for all Peruvians," she concluded.