The President of the Republic Francisco Sagasti on Tuesday highlighted that, despite the health crisis, the agricultural sector has achieved a record level of non-traditional exports, posting a growth of over 8% and remaining the top exporter of blueberries and quinoa.
In his speech at the launch of Peru's 2020 Export Results, the President remarked that the country's exports exceeded US$39.310 billion last year, of which US$12.892 were non-traditional exports.
"Despite an unprecedented situation in international trade, due to the health emergency, the agricultural sector has achieved a record level of exports, especially non-traditional ones, which grew more than 8% in 2020," he said.
The Head of State emphasized that the country has maintained its position as the top exporter of blueberries and quinoa, as well as the second largest exporter of tangerines, fresh asparagus, canned food, avocados, and Brazil nuts.
All in all, the Andean nation remains among the world's top ten exporters of frozen products, ginger, mangoes, trout fillet, cacao beans, and canned olives.
The President noted that Peruvian exports have good prospects for the future, and he expects textile, fishing, clothing, and diverse manufacturing sectors —which have experienced positive growth rates in 2019— to achieve a record level of exports in 2021 as well.
According to Mr. Sagasti, although the pandemic has redefined the global landscape and has introduced a high degree of uncertainty, Peruvian companies has managed to export more than 4,000 value-added products, which reached 174 markets.
"This shows the country's potential to continue supporting foreign trade as an engine of growth and development, which contributes to the economic recovery and the creation of quality employment. This will be possible if public and private sectors continue working in an articulated manner," he added.
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Published: 3/23/2021