Andina

Peru: Agro-exports to reach US$7 billion in 2018

00:03 | Lima, Jan. 31.

Peruvian agro-exports will total some US$7 billion in 2018 and will be destined —mainly— for the Asian market, Agriculture and Irrigation Ministry (Minagri) projected.

"This year, agro-exports will reach US$7 billion, thus registering a growth rate of 8% [...]," Minagri Head Jose Arista expressed.

Likewise, the official pointed out coffee (US$700 million), blueberries (US$400 million), and avocados experienced the greatest increases last year.

Diversification

The minister also highlighted the need for agricultural producers to diversify their production and conquer new international markets.

"For instance, trade with Asia grew by 53% [last year] and, therefore, greater intervention by the National Agricultural Sanitation Service [Senasa] is required to increase exports," he noted.

According to Minagri, agro-exports may have reached US$6.300 billion in 2017, due to higher shipments of blueberries, as well as greater dynamism of avocado exports to Asian markets —particularly— to China.

(END) RGP/RGP/JAA/MVB

Published: 1/31/2018