LIMA, Feb 9 (NNN-ANDINA) — Peruvian exports reached US$63.2 billion in 2022, marking a record high for the country, Deputy Foreign Trade Minister Teresa Mera reported.
He stressed that the amount represents an expansion of close to 4% compared to exports in 2021 (US$60.92 billion).
“This significant growth shows the resilience of the Peruvian economy. Non-traditional sales, which increased 5.4% in 2022, stood out as part of this momentum,” she told Andina news agency.
Moreover, Mera commented that agricultural export was an important engine within non-traditional shipments last year.
Afterwards, the Deputy Minister remarked that the social unrest that erupted across the country in recent weeks has prevented Peru from exporting at levels close to its potential.
“By 2022, we expected higher growth in exports, but December events slowed things down a bit,” she noted.
In this regard, the high-ranking official affirmed that the Executive Branch is working closely with exporters to identify their problems and help them reverse the impacts of this difficult situation.
“We are facilitating the transfer of products so that their shipments are not affected and they are delivered to their respective destinations in good condition,” she highlighted.
On the other hand, Mera stated that the Ministry is fulfilling its goal of opening new markets for Peruvian products.
In this sense, she remarked that Peru and Hong Kong began the first round of trade negotiations for the signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The first round was held virtually for some groups, from Jan 30 to Feb 3, while other groups will meet in person in Hong Kong during the week of February 6-10.
“The negotiation of an FTA with Hong Kong and its future signing allows us to consolidate the zero-tariff treatment for our products, granting certainty, predictability, and advantage to Peruvian exporters. As Hong Kong is the third-largest destination for our non-traditional exports in Asia, this FTA will provide a further boost to our shipments,” the minister specified.
The government official reaffirmed that reaching an FTA with Hong Kong is one more step in Peru’s strategy to consolidate its position in the Asia-Pacific region, achieving greater opening of markets, expanding tariff benefits for Peruvian companies (especially MSMEs), and strengthening the country’s image for greater attraction of investments.
During the past five years, bilateral trade between Peru and Hong Kong has resulted in a positive trade balance for Peruvian exports. In 2022, our exports reached US$262 million.
In terms of imports, US$25 million was reached, increasing capital good imports by 93% over the previous year. Products such as cash registers, machinery parts, sewing machines, among others, stand out in this sense.
It must be noted that, in 2022, Hong Kong became the third-largest destination for non-traditional exports from Peru to Asia.
Last year, Peruvian shipments of non-traditional products accounted for 90% of our exports to Hong Kong, totaling US$235 million.
Concerning the agro-industrial sector, shipments of grapes, blueberries, avocados, tangerines, pecans, pomegranates, figs, and tangelos stand out. — NNN-ANDINA