Peru Cocoa Beans HS180100 Export Data 2025 May Overview

Peru Cocoa Beans (HS 180100) 2025 May Export: Key Takeaways

Peru's Cocoa Beans (HS Code 180100) export in May 2025 reveals a premium-driven market, with the U.S. as the dominant buyer, paying higher prices for quality beans alongside Spain and the Netherlands. Buyer concentration is high, with these three countries accounting for over 50% of export value, signaling reliance on key markets. Geographic risk is notable, as bulk shipments to secondary markets like Mexico lack the premium pricing of core buyers. The market shows stable demand, but exporters must diversify to mitigate over-reliance on a few partners. This analysis covers May 2025 and is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Peru Cocoa Beans (HS 180100) 2025 May Export Background

What is HS Code 180100?

HS Code 180100 refers to Cocoa beans; whole or broken, raw or roasted, a key agricultural commodity primarily used in chocolate production, confectionery, and cosmetics. Global demand remains stable due to its essential role in food manufacturing and growing consumer preference for premium cocoa products. Peru's exports under this code are dominated by sub-code 1801001900, which accounted for over 90% of shipments in May 2025, with a unit price of $7.48/kg [yTrade]. A smaller niche exists for premium beans (1801002000) at $10.16/kg, reflecting market segmentation.

Current Context and Strategic Position

Peru's Cocoa Beans HS Code 180100 Export in May 2025 was shaped by a July 2025 duty restitution cut, aimed at streamlining exports and enhancing competitiveness [yTrade]. The US remained the top importer (20.10% of value), benefiting from favorable trade agreements. However, reliance on a few key markets poses a vulnerability. Peru’s strategic focus on quality, traceability, and farmer training—supported by government and NGO initiatives—strengthens its position as a leading global supplier. Market vigilance is critical to navigate logistics challenges and sustain growth in 2025.

Peru Cocoa Beans (HS 180100) 2025 May Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

Peru Cocoa Beans HS Code 180100 Export 2025 May surged to $121.32M in value on 15.96M kg volume, marking a strong recovery from the previous month's low and reinforcing the country's position as a key global supplier.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The May rebound aligns with typical post-harvest shipment cycles for cocoa, where Q2 volumes traditionally peak as main harvests reach export channels. This represents a 132% value increase from April's $52.23M, though it remains moderately below January's $144.42M, suggesting some early-year inventory drawdown was replenished. The consistency in unit pricing—averaging near $7.60/kg—indicates stable demand for Peru's premium beans, particularly from major buyers like the US which accounted for over 20% of shipments [ytrade.com].

External Context and Outlook

The export recovery was supported by Peru's July 2025 duty restitution policy, which streamlined customs processes and enhanced trade competitiveness (ytrade.com). Trade agreements with the US helped maintain tariff advantages, securing steady demand despite global market fluctuations. With ongoing focus on quality and traceability—supported by government and NGO initiatives—Peru's cocoa sector is well-positioned for sustained export growth, though diversification beyond a few key markets remains a strategic priority.

Peru Cocoa Beans (HS 180100) 2025 May Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

Peru's Cocoa Beans HS Code 180100 Export in 2025 May is heavily concentrated in sub-code 1801001900, described as "Cocoa beans; whole or broken, raw or roasted", which accounts for 93.9% of the export value and 95.44% of the weight based on yTrade data. This sub-code has a unit price of 7.48 USD per kilogram, while the only other sub-code, 1801002000, with the same description, has a higher unit price of 10.16 USD per kilogram but only a 6.1% value share, indicating a minor premium segment isolated from the main bulk trade.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The export structure under this HS code splits into two grades: the dominant bulk standard grade (1801001900) and a smaller premium grade (1801002000), both involving raw or roasted beans. This grade-based differentiation shows that Peru's cocoa bean trade is not purely fungible like a commodity tied to indices, but includes quality variations that cater to different market segments, with the bulk grade driving most of the volume.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

Market players face limited pricing power in the bulk standard grade due to high concentration, but the premium grade offers margin opportunities. Supported by the US being the top importer [yTrade], Peru should focus on maintaining quality and leveraging trade agreements to diversify risks and capitalize on premium demand.

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Peru Cocoa Beans (HS 180100) 2025 May Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In May 2025, Peru's Cocoa Beans HS Code 180100 Export was heavily concentrated, with the United States as the top importer, holding 20.10% of the value share compared to 18.44% of the weight share. This value-weight disparity suggests the US pays a premium, likely for higher-grade beans. Spain and the Netherlands followed as key buyers, with Spain at 15.91% value and 14.23% weight, and the Netherlands at 14.85% value and 15.85% weight, indicating consistent demand for quality cocoa.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The top importers form two clear clusters. First, the US, Spain, and the Netherlands represent major chocolate-producing regions with high frequency and value ratios, driven by their robust processing industries and consumer markets. Second, countries like Mexico and Turkey show lower frequency but significant quantity shares, such as Mexico's 13.16% weight with only 1.56% frequency, pointing to bulk shipments for local processing or re-export. This split reflects the global cocoa trade's divide between premium buyers and volume-driven markets.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For Peruvian exporters, the reliance on a few key markets like the US underscores the need to diversify to mitigate risks, while maintaining quality to justify premium prices. The recent duty restitution cut in July 2025, as noted by [ytrade.com], supports cost efficiency and could enhance competitiveness in existing and new markets. Focusing on traceability and leveraging trade agreements will help secure stable supply chains and tap into growing demand in regions like Europe.

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Peru Cocoa Beans (HS 180100) 2025 May Export: Action Plan for Cocoa Beans Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Peru Cocoa Beans Export 2025 May under HS Code 180100 is defined by two core price drivers. First, quality grade creates price tiers, with bulk standard beans at 7.48 USD/kg and premium beans at 10.16 USD/kg. Second, geographic concentration in the US, Spain, and Netherlands supports premium pricing due to their processing demand. These drivers create supply chain implications centered on security and processing hub roles. Peru relies heavily on a few bulk buyers and premium markets, creating vulnerability to demand shifts. The supply chain must prioritize consistent quality and diversified partnerships to maintain stability and growth.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Cocoa Beans Market Execution

• Use shipment data to identify and target new buyers in emerging markets like Asia, reducing over-reliance on current top partners and spreading risk.
• Analyze unit price differentials to segment buyers by grade preference, focusing sales efforts on premium markets to increase overall profit margins.
• Monitor buyer frequency and order size patterns to forecast demand cycles, ensuring optimal inventory levels and avoiding overstock or shortages.
• Leverage trade agreement benefits, like the duty restitution cut, to lower export costs for key partners, strengthening relationships and competitive pricing.
• Implement traceability systems in supply chains to verify bean quality and origin, meeting premium market standards and justifying higher price points.

Take Action Now —— Explore Peru Cocoa Beans Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Peru Cocoa Beans Export 2025 May?

The May 2025 surge to $121.32M reflects a 132% rebound from April, driven by post-harvest shipment cycles and stable demand for premium beans, particularly from the US. The recovery was further supported by Peru's July 2025 duty restitution policy streamlining customs processes.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Peru Cocoa Beans Export 2025 May?

The US dominated with 20.10% of the export value, followed by Spain (15.91%) and the Netherlands (14.85%). These markets prioritize quality cocoa, while countries like Mexico focus on bulk shipments.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Peru Cocoa Beans Export 2025 May partner countries?

Price differences stem from grade specialization: bulk standard beans (sub-code 1801001900) average $7.48/kg, while the premium grade (1801002000) commands $10.16/kg. The US and EU pay premiums for higher-quality beans.

Q4. What should exporters in Peru focus on in the current Cocoa Beans export market?

Exporters should prioritize relationships with dominant bulk buyers (92% of value) while diversifying into niche premium markets. Mitigating over-reliance on key partners and leveraging trade agreements is critical.

Q5. What does this Peru Cocoa Beans export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?

Major buyers like the US benefit from stable premium-grade supply, while bulk-focused markets (e.g., Mexico) secure cost-efficient volumes. Niche buyers can access specialty beans but face limited availability.

Q6. How is Cocoa Beans typically used in this trade flow?

Peru’s exports are primarily raw or roasted whole/broken beans (HS 180100), catering to chocolate production (US/EU) or re-export (bulk markets). Quality differentiation supports both mass and premium segments.