Peru's total exports reached US$44.058 billion in 2017 —a 22.7% increase from the previous year— mainly underpinned by the positive performance of mining and agricultural sectors, the Association of Peruvian Exporters (Adex) reported.
It must be noted this result marks the second year of continuous growth and exceeded Adex's 2017 export forecast.
Adex Head Juan Varilias recalled the guild had projected —late last year—
Peruvian exports would experience a 20.2% expansion.
Furthermore, he noted the Inca country must maintain an exports growth rate of 15% in the coming years to reach the Government's target of doubling
shipments by 2021.
The official also suggested non-traditional product exporters to continue diversifying their markets and presentations.
According to the IMF World Economic Outlook, the United States will expand 2.7% this year, whereas
China and the Euro Zone will grow 6.6% and 2.2%, respectively.
"There is no doubt, it is time to take advantage of our main trading partners' projected [GDP] growth," he expressed in this sense.
Mineral prices
Adex informed traditional shipments rose 27.9% last year, thus totaling US$32.364 billion, mostly driven by higher sales of
copper and
gold.
On the other hand, non-traditional exports amounted to US$11.693 billion, a 10% rise compared to 2016. They made up 26.6% of the country's total sales abroad.
(END) CNA/JAA/MVB