Peru's 2026 exports jump 37% driven by mining and agriculture

Peru's exports rose 37% in the first five months of 2026, reaching US$45.1 billion. Minerals accounted for US$33.4 billion of that total, with copper shipments climbing 48% to US$15.5 billion and gold up 65% to US$11.8 billion, helped by higher international prices and larger volumes. The fisheries, agro‑industry and forest sectors also posted gains, and export destinations expanded to 162 markets. China remained the top buyer with US$17.4 billion (+44.3%), followed by the United States (US$4.3 billion) and the European Union (US$4.0 billion).

The INCORE 2026 regional competitiveness report highlighted the southern macro‑region as a key engine of national growth, sustained by large‑scale mining that has lifted formal employment and per‑capita GDP. Nevertheless, the report warned that economic gains have not translated into broader wellbeing, noting persistent child‑anemia, security challenges and fragmented public investment that hampers large infrastructure projects.

In the housing market, real‑estate activity accelerated, with first‑quarter 2026 sales of apartments in Lima up 25% year‑on‑year and an absorption rate of 5.6%, prompting financial advisers to recommend using the July/August gratuity bonus to fund down‑payments and improve credit standing.