Peruvian exports still have significant room for growth as they hold only a small share in major global markets such as the United States and China, the president of the Exporters Association (Adex), Cesar Tello, emphasized.
According to the Center for Global Economics and Business Research (CIEN-ADEX), last year Peruvian exports to the U.S. accounted for just 0.3% of that country's total imports and 1.3% of China's imports, highlighting Peru's expansion potential.
In that context, he recalled that exports surpassed US$90 billion in 2025, reaching a historic record and consolidating foreign trade as one of the most important engines of economic growth.
"Industries such as agribusiness, mining, fishing, services, and various manufacturing segments show that Peru can compete successfully abroad when adequate conditions exist to produce, innovate, and export. The challenge is not only to open markets, but to strengthen our domestic competitiveness," Tello stated.
Four key fronts
During his opening remarks at the event "Accountability: Progress in the Implementation of the National Competitiveness and Productivity Plan 2024-2030," organized by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), he said that four key fronts must advance in order to consolidate a sustainable export strategy.
First, ensuring the stability and predictability of public policies in order to generate confidence and attract long-term investment.
Second, closing structural gaps in infrastructure, logistics, connectivity, and human capital — key factors that would raise productivity and help more companies integrate into global trade.
Third, promoting development in Peruvian regions by taking advantage of the potential of diverse value chains nationwide.
Fourth, strengthening public-private coordination, one of the pillars that has supported the increase in the country's exports over recent decades.
"Competitiveness and productivity are not abstract concepts. They translate into more investment, more formal companies, more jobs, and greater opportunities for Peruvians. They also mean less poverty, less centralism, and less informality," Tello concluded.
Efficiency
According to the 2025 World Competitiveness Ranking, prepared by IMD and presented by Centrum PUCP, Peru rose from 63rd to 60th place among 69 economies assessed.
It was driven mainly by improved economic performance linked to the recovery of growth, employment, and investment.
However, government efficiency worsened, falling from 55th to 59th.
The report warned that major challenges remain in infrastructure, innovation, corporate efficiency, and the investment climate.
Likewise, it identified institutional deterioration, low regulatory quality, high informality, human capital gaps, and limited integration into global value chains as the main weaknesses.