Peru Cocoa Beans HS180100 Export Data 2025 Q1 Overview

Peru Cocoa Beans (HS 180100) 2025 Q1 Export: Key Takeaways

Peru's Cocoa Beans (HS Code 180100) exports in Q1 2025 reveal a premium-driven market, with the US dominating as the top importer, paying higher prices for quality beans. Buyer concentration is moderate, but geographic risk is high due to reliance on a few premium markets like the US, Italy, and the Netherlands, which prioritize fine-flavor cocoa under trade agreements like the US-Peru FTA. This analysis, covering Q1 2025, is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Peru Cocoa Beans (HS 180100) 2025 Q1 Export Background

What is HS Code 180100?

HS Code 180100 covers cocoa beans; whole or broken, raw or roasted, a key commodity in global food and confectionery industries. These beans are the primary raw material for chocolate production, driving steady demand from major manufacturing hubs like Europe and North America. Peru’s cocoa is particularly valued for its fine-flavor quality, making it a competitive player in premium markets.

Current Context and Strategic Position

Peru’s Cocoa Beans HS Code 180100 Export in Q1 2025 benefits from the US-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement, which phases out tariffs by 2026 but requires stricter compliance with customs documentation starting January 2025 [FreightAmigo]. The country exported $254 million worth of cocoa in 2023, with exports concentrated under sub-code 1801001900 (whole or crop), accounting for over 97% of volume [OEC World]. Peru’s strategic focus on sustainable farming and premium quality positions it to capitalize on niche markets, but exporters must navigate heightened regulatory scrutiny to maintain tariff advantages. Vigilance is critical to sustain Peru’s role as a top global cocoa supplier in 2025.

Peru Cocoa Beans (HS 180100) 2025 Q1 Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

In Q1 2025, Peru's cocoa bean exports under HS Code 180100 reached a total value of approximately $290.61 million and volume of 32.56 million kg, with a sharp sequential decline from January to March.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The Q1 data shows a clear month-over-month decrease, with value dropping by 43% from January to February and another 23% into March, while volume followed a similar pattern. This trend aligns with typical post-harvest seasonal cycles for cocoa, where exports peak early in the year as new crops are shipped and then gradually decline as inventories are drawn down. The absence of significant YoY comparison data limits broader growth assessment, but the sequential weakness points to routine agricultural supply fluctuations rather than underlying demand issues.

External Context and Outlook

The export decline occurs against a backdrop of supportive trade policies, such as the US-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement [FreightAmigo], which continues to offer tariff advantages but requires stricter compliance from 2025. Peru's emphasis on premium cocoa segments (Tridge) may help stabilize future exports, though Q1's seasonal dip highlights the need for exporters to align shipments with harvest timelines and regulatory updates to maintain competitiveness.

Peru Cocoa Beans (HS 180100) 2025 Q1 Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

According to yTrade data, Peru's cocoa bean exports under HS Code 180100 in 2025 Q1 are heavily concentrated in the standard grade sub-code for "Cocoa beans; whole or broken, raw or roasted," which represents over 97% of both export value and weight at a unit price of $8.83 per kilogram. A minor sub-code with a similar description but negligible share is present but does not significantly impact the overall market structure. The high concentration underscores a focus on bulk, standardized products for mass export.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining sub-codes can be grouped into two categories: standard cocoa beans and premium cocoa beans. The standard category, with unit prices around $8.83 per kilogram, dominates and functions as a fungible bulk commodity traded on volume. The premium category, with a unit price of $14.42 per kilogram, suggests a higher-quality or specialty product, indicating some market differentiation despite its smaller share. This split shows that Peru's cocoa bean trade is primarily commodity-based but includes a niche for value-added grades.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For Peru Cocoa Beans HS Code 180100 Export 2025 Q1, the bulk-driven market limits pricing power for standard grades, while premium products offer better margins. Exporters should prioritize quality upgrades and compliance with trade agreements, such as the US-Peru FTA, to access higher-value markets and mitigate commodity price volatility [FreightAmigo]. This approach aligns with global demand trends for differentiated cocoa products.

Check Detailed HS 180100 Breakdown

Peru Cocoa Beans (HS 180100) 2025 Q1 Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In Q1 2025, Peru's Cocoa Beans HS Code 180100 exports show strong geographic concentration, with the UNITED STATES as the dominant importer, holding 19.54% of the total value but only 17.89% of the weight. This disparity, where value ratio exceeds weight ratio, points to the US sourcing higher-grade, premium beans at a higher price per kilogram, reflecting its role as a key market for quality-driven purchases.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The importers form two clear clusters based on value-weight disparities. First, premium-focused countries like the US, Italy, and the Netherlands have value ratios above weight ratios, likely due to demand for fine-flavor cocoa supported by trade agreements such as the US-Peru FTA [ytrade.com]. Second, bulk-oriented markets like Mexico and Malaysia show lower value ratios, suggesting they import larger volumes of standard-grade beans for processing or cost-efficient sourcing.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

For Peru's cocoa exporters, the geographic patterns emphasize the need to prioritize quality differentiation and compliance with trade regulations. Leveraging agreements like the US-Peru FTA requires accurate documentation and proof of direct shipment to maintain tariff benefits (ytrade.com). Supply chains should adapt by segmenting flows: high-value beans to premium markets and standard grades to bulk buyers, ensuring efficient logistics and sustained market access.

Table: Peru Cocoa Beans (HS 180100) Top Partner Countries (Source: yTrade)

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Peru Cocoa Beans (HS 180100) 2025 Q1 Export: Action Plan for Cocoa Beans Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Peru Cocoa Beans Export 2025 Q1 under HS Code 180100 operates as a bulk commodity market. Price is driven by quality grade and trade agreement access. High-volume buyers dominate, creating reliance on consistent bulk orders. The United States and other premium markets pay more for fine-flavor beans. This structure implies a supply chain focused on secure, high-volume flows for standard grades, with dedicated lanes for premium products to value-driven destinations.

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

• Segment buyers by purchase frequency and value. Focus sales efforts on high-volume clients to ensure stable revenue, while nurturing smaller buyers for market diversification. This reduces over-dependence risk.
• Prioritize quality certification for premium bean exports. Target buyers in the US and EU using trade agreement benefits like the US-Peru FTA. This unlocks higher margins in quality-sensitive markets.
• Analyze shipment data to optimize logistics routes. Direct high-value beans to premium destinations and bulk shipments to cost-focused hubs. This cuts freight costs and ensures timely delivery.
• Monitor trade regulation changes for key markets. Adjust documentation and sourcing to maintain tariff advantages. This prevents compliance failures and protects profit margins.
• Use transaction data to forecast demand cycles. Align production and inventory with buyer order patterns. This prevents overstock or shortages, improving cash flow.

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 Q1?

The sharp sequential decline in exports (43% value drop from January to February) reflects typical post-harvest seasonality, where shipments peak early and taper off as inventories deplete.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Peru Cocoa Beans Export 2025 Q1?

The UNITED STATES dominates with 19.54% of export value, followed by Italy and the Netherlands, which prioritize premium-grade beans. Bulk-oriented markets like Mexico and Malaysia focus on standard-grade volumes.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Peru Cocoa Beans Export 2025 Q1 partner countries?

Price differences stem from product specialization: premium cocoa beans command $14.42/kg (targeted by the US and EU), while standard grades trade at $8.83/kg for bulk buyers.

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

Exporters must prioritize quality upgrades to serve premium markets (e.g., US, Italy) while maintaining bulk relationships to mitigate over-reliance on dominant high-volume buyers.

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

Premium buyers (US, EU) benefit from consistent high-quality supply, while bulk buyers (Mexico, Malaysia) face stable access to cost-efficient standard-grade beans.

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

Peru’s exports are primarily raw or roasted cocoa beans, with standard grades used for mass chocolate production and premium grades for specialty or fine-flavor products.

Detailed Monthly Report

Peru HS180100 Export Snapshot 2025 JAN

Peru HS180100 Export Snapshot 2025 FEB

Peru HS180100 Export Snapshot 2025 MAR