reported that mining exports reached US$21.649 billion between January and March 2026.
This represented a remarkable 56.2% increase compared to the same period last year, driven mainly by global demand for industrial and precious metals such as copper, gold, lead, silver, and zinc.
This outstanding quarterly performance was driven by resilient international prices.
Similarly, it was supported by growing demand for minerals linked to the energy transition, renewable energy expansion, and technological infrastructure development.
According to Minem's Statistical Mining Bulletin, mining exports—which include metallic and non-metallic products—accounted for 75.4% of Peruvian total export value between January and March 2026.
This scenario positions mining activity as the main pillar of Peru's external sector and a key source of export revenue.
The strong global reliance on strategic metals strengthened the position of Peru's mining sector relative to other traditional and non-traditional industries.
It also substantially increased its share in the trade balance, allowing the extractive industry to further consolidate its role as one of the main generators of foreign currency for the Peruvian economy and the country's development.
Of the total export value, metallic mining products accounted for 74.6%, driven mainly by copper, gold, lead, and zinc, which jointly represented 70.1% of Peru's exports during the analyzed period.
The high share of these minerals reflects their strategic importance in the global economy.
In particular, copper remains an essential input for the expansion of power grids, renewable energy, and data centers.
Meanwhile, gold retains its relevance as a hedge asset amid episodes of economic and financial uncertainty.
Zinc and lead continue to post sustained demand linked to manufacturing, infrastructure, and energy storage activities as well.