The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) —signed between Peru and the United States in April 2006 and which came into effect three years later, in 2009— boosted bilateral trade, especially Peruvian agricultural exports to the vast U.S. market.
In 2024, Peru exported fresh blueberries to the United States ($1.224 billion), fresh grapes ($867 million), fresh asparagus ($275 million), and fresh avocados ($163 million) —impressive figures.
Several
other agricultural products, such as aguaymanto (golden berries), pitahaya, and turmeric, among others, are also under discussion for entry into the U.S. market.
"Our country has great potential thanks to the microclimates we have throughout the coast, highlands, and jungle; therefore, we are a country capable of producing much more to supply the United States and the rest of the world," National Agrarian Health Service (Senasa) Chief Vilma Gutarra told the Official Gazette El Peruano.
Likewise, the official mentioned that the Andean region, where most of Peru's family farming is located, has the potential to export more goods to the United States and other countries.
"The potential lies in the Andean region, and it is already exporting. Huancavelica, Ayacucho, Apurímac, Cusco (regions), and the area of the Apurimac, Ene, and Mantaro Valley (Vraem) export avocados to the United States—they are small producers," she emphasized.
Gutarra made these remarks after participating in the U.S. Ports and Agrifood Trade seminar, organized by Trade Training. The situation of agricultural exports to the United States, along with their challenges and prospects, was analyzed at this event.
The
Senasa head indicated that aguaymanto is soon to enter the United States, as the risk analysis —a technical stage to establish phytosanitary requirements— has already been completed.
"Aguaymanto could become the 'highland blueberries,' so to speak, but that doesn't mean they can't be grown on the coast. They could enter the United States in the first half of next year," she indicated.
In this regard, the Senasa head recommended that small producers work collectively through associations to receive better technical and financial support so as to boost their development.
"With small producers, association is important; when they are organized, resources and technical assistance reach them more effectively, which is better than going from house to house or plot to plot. The best example is small avocado producers, who, with half-hectare to one-hectare plots, are already engaged in international trade," she explained.
Export chains
"Most small farmers are in the highlands; agriculture accounts for nearly 60% of all economic activity in rural areas. Several production chains are already developing and have been incorporated into modern agriculture," Amaro explained.
"For example, ginger, which is mostly grown in Junin (region), much of which is exported to the United States and other countries, and blueberries are now also being produced in the Andean region," he mentioned.
Amaro noted that, of the seven most important agricultural export product chains, over 85% are made up of small-scale farming, and there are even chains, such as cacao and coffee, in which more than 90% comes from family farming.
In this regard, he highlighted Peru's new Agrarian Law, enacted last August, which will contribute to the growth of agricultural exports and support small farmers.
Tariffs
Amaro stated that the recent imposition of a 10% tariff on Peruvian products entering the United States affects the entire national agricultural exports sector, as importers pass this increase on to Peruvian producers, thereby reducing their profit margins.
"So, it is an important task that we must undertake with authorities to improve competitiveness and achieve a negotiation that could reduce the tariff to zero, enforcing the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States," he stated.
Key trading partner
Lima Chamber of Commerce (CCL) Director Jaime Garcia highlighted the commercial relationship between Peru and the United States.
"This relationship is a fundamental pillar of the Peruvian economy and is built on the Free Trade Agreement, signed in 2006 and fully implemented in 2009," Garcia underlined.
The official noted that trade between the two countries rose from US$7.562 billion in 2005 to US$19.571 billion in 2024.
"In other words, it grew by around 80%," he emphasized.
Garcia also highlighted that Peruvian exports to the United States increased from US$5.341 billion to US$9.561 billion between 2005 and 2024.
Growth
The AGAP head noted that Peru's total agricultural exports will exceed US$13.5 billion, but he considered it "very likely" that they will approach US$14 billion by the end of 2025.
Likewise, Amaro underscored the goal of doubling agricultural exports within 10 years, with the longer-term aim of reaching US$50 billion.
Moreover, he highlighted that Peru has led the growth of fruit and vegetable exports to the United States from Latin America over the past five years, with a 14% increase, surpassing Mexico (+8%), Costa Rica (+7%), Guatemala (+6%), and Chile (+5%).
In light of this encouraging outlook, representatives from U.S. port terminals—including Georgia Ports, North Carolina Ports, Port Everglades, the Port of Philadelphia, Port Miami, and the Port of Houston—visited Peru, showing interest in the development of the country's agricultural exports.
Trade Training Director Melina Dominguez highlighted the importance of strengthening the agricultural export chain by more efficiently connecting Peruvian products with the U.S. market.