José Fernando Reyes Llanos, Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, said on May 6 that Peru is one of the most dynamic exporting countries in Latin America, ranking as the second fastest-growing economy for exports in the region during the first two months of 2026.
Reyes said this export growth reflects the strength of Peru’s foreign trade sector and its direct contribution to economic growth, job creation, and productive diversification. “In the first two months of 2026, Peruvian exports increased by 33.5%, reaching US$17.77 billion thanks to higher prices, mainly for minerals. This growth positions Peru as the second country with the highest export expansion in Latin America,” Reyes said.
He also highlighted that Peruvian exports have continued to grow for five consecutive years after surpassing a record US$90 billion in 2025, with a growth rate of 22.1%. The minister outlined initiatives aimed at boosting competitiveness and internationalization for Peruvian companies such as Ruta Productiva Exportadora (RPE), Perú Exporta Industria program, business matchmaking events, trade missions, and participation in international fairs.
Reyes reported that Peru has 23 active trade agreements covering 58 markets which account for about 87% of its exports. Four new agreements are expected to come into effect by July 2026. On tourism, he said it remains a key driver for economic and social development with projections exceeding four million international tourists for 2026 and strong domestic tourism activity.
“Between January and March of 2026, more than 823 thousand international tourists visited Peru—a rise of 3.5% compared to last year,” Reyes said. He added: “Foreign exchange earnings are estimated at US$1.27 billion—an increase of almost seven percent—showing not only recovery in visitor numbers but also higher tourist spending.”
The ministry is promoting nearly S/3.4 billion (Peruvian soles) worth of investments across several major tourism infrastructure projects including beach development programs in northern regions; improvements along major tourist corridors; strengthening destinations like Arequipa–Colca; developing central corridors; and advancing Choquequirao projects in Cusco and Apurímac.
Other efforts include expanding recognition through smart destination awards (FIDI), launching religious-cultural routes like Ruta de León across multiple regions with S/10 million allocated toward formalization and promotion activities; participating in eleven international events aiming at an estimated US$31 million business potential; plus seven national events projected to generate around S/25 million domestically.
According to the official website, the Ministry contributes to cultural progress by fostering sustainable tourism while advancing national strategies for foreign trade through collaboration with organizations such as PromPerú.
