Peru Cocoa Butter HS180400 Export Data 2025 March Overview

Peru Cocoa Butter (HS 180400) 2025 March Export: Key Takeaways

Peru's March 2025 cocoa butter exports (HS Code 180400) reveal a high reliance on the U.S., which took over 40% of total value, signaling a dominant but price-sensitive market. Regional buyers like Chile and Argentina formed a secondary cluster, while European imports commanded premium prices, suggesting untapped potential for higher-grade products. This analysis, covering March 2025, is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Peru Cocoa Butter (HS 180400) 2025 March Export Background

What is HS Code 180400?

HS Code 180400 refers to cocoa butter, fat, and oil, a key derivative of cocoa beans widely used in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Its high melting point and stable texture make it essential for chocolate production, skincare products, and medicinal formulations. Global demand remains steady due to its irreplaceable role in these sectors, with Peru emerging as a significant exporter due to its cocoa-growing regions and processing capabilities.

Current Context and Strategic Position

Peru's cocoa butter exports under HS Code 180400 face a shifting trade landscape in 2025. The U.S. implemented a 10% baseline tariff on all trading partners in April 2025 [EY Tax News], though Peru secured exemptions for 100 agricultural products, potentially including cocoa butter [Investing.com]. Meanwhile, the EU updated rules of origin for preferential trade with Peru, reflecting HS 2022 adjustments [European Commission]. These developments underscore Peru’s strategic role as a cocoa butter supplier amid tariff volatility, necessitating close monitoring of March 2025 export trends to key markets like the U.S. and EU.

Peru Cocoa Butter (HS 180400) 2025 March Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

In March 2025, Peru's export of Cocoa Butter under HS Code 180400 reached $83.31 million in value with a volume of 3.28 million kg, marking a strong recovery from the previous month.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The March figures show a sharp month-over-month increase, with value rising 79% and volume up 58% from February's lows. This surge likely reflects typical stock replenishment cycles in cocoa products, as processors ramp up exports after seasonal slowdowns, rather than fundamental demand shifts. The rebound also positions March above January's levels, indicating resilient export momentum despite short-term volatility.

External Context and Outlook

The export spike aligns with anticipatory moves ahead of the US 10% baseline tariff implementation in April 2025 [EY Tax News], as exporters rushed to avoid higher costs. Future trends will hinge on trade policy developments, including potential exemptions for agricultural goods, which could stabilize Peru Cocoa Butter HS Code 180400 Export flows in 2025.

Peru Cocoa Butter (HS 180400) 2025 March Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

The Peru Cocoa Butter HS Code 180400 export in 2025 March is heavily concentrated in sub-code 1804001100 for Cocoa butter, fat and oil, which holds a 46.94% value share and 46.27% weight share. According to yTrade data, this sub-code has a unit price of 25.73 USD per kilogram, slightly higher than others, indicating minor specialization in a potentially standard grade. No extreme price anomalies are present in the data, with all sub-codes showing consistent pricing around 24-26 USD per kilogram.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The remaining sub-codes (1804001300, 1804001200, and 1804002000) form a homogeneous group with nearly identical product descriptions and unit prices ranging from 24.25 to 25.53 USD per kilogram. This uniformity suggests that Peru's cocoa butter exports under HS Code 180400 are traded as fungible bulk commodities, likely tied to global price indices rather than being highly differentiated by quality or value-add stages. The structure points to a market dealing in standardized goods with minimal variation.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

For Peru Cocoa Butter HS Code 180400 Export 2025 March, the bulk commodity nature implies limited pricing power, requiring focus on cost efficiency and market access to compete globally. Exporters should prioritize economies of scale and adherence to international standards to maintain competitiveness, as the product's value is largely dictated by external market forces rather than unique attributes.

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Peru Cocoa Butter (HS 180400) 2025 March Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

Peru's March 2025 cocoa butter exports show a clear reliance on the United States, which accounted for 40.23% of total export value and 43.72% of total weight. The slightly lower value ratio compared to weight ratio suggests this trade involves standard, commodity-grade cocoa butter priced around $0.02 per kilogram. This pattern confirms the United States as the dominant buyer for Peru Cocoa Butter HS Code 180400 Export 2025 March.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

Two distinct buyer clusters emerge. The first includes Chile and Argentina, which together took over 30% of export volume. Their strong regional presence likely stems from existing trade agreements and logistical advantages. The second cluster consists of Netherlands and Germany, which paid higher unit prices. This premium suggests they import higher-quality cocoa butter for specialized European food manufacturing.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Exporters should maintain strong ties with US buyers under the current tariff exemption for about 100 agricultural products [Investing.com]. The price gap between markets indicates an opportunity to develop premium product lines for the EU, potentially increasing overall returns. Supply chains must remain flexible to accommodate both high-volume commodity shipments and smaller, value-added specialty orders.

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Peru Cocoa Butter (HS 180400) 2025 March Export: Action Plan for Cocoa Butter Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

Peru Cocoa Butter Export 2025 March under HS Code 180400 operates as a bulk commodity. Price is driven by global market indices and standard quality grades. The supply chain must prioritize cost-efficient, high-volume processing and logistics. Heavy reliance on the US market and a few large buyers creates vulnerability. Exporters act as a processing hub for raw materials.

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

• Use buyer frequency data to negotiate long-term contracts with high-volume clients. This ensures stable revenue and reduces market volatility risk.
• Analyze EU import patterns to develop premium product lines for Netherlands and Germany. This captures higher unit prices and diversifies market dependence.
• Monitor US tariff exemption policies monthly to adjust shipment schedules. This maintains cost advantages and avoids unexpected duty costs.
• Track competitor shipments to key markets like Chile and Argentina. This identifies new bulk buyers and strengthens regional trade partnerships.

Risk Mitigation and Forward Strategy

Peru Cocoa Butter Export 2025 March faces concentration risks. Diversify buyers and product grades. Leverage trade data for real-time adjustments. This balances volume security with premium market opportunities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Peru Cocoa Butter Export 2025 March?

The March 2025 surge (79% value increase) reflects stock replenishment cycles and preemptive shipments ahead of US tariff changes, not fundamental demand shifts.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Peru Cocoa Butter Export 2025 March?

The US dominates with 40.23% of export value, followed by Chile/Argentina (30% combined) and EU buyers like Netherlands/Germany paying premium prices.

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

EU buyers pay higher prices for specialized grades, while the US and regional partners trade standardized bulk cocoa butter at consistent commodity-level rates.

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

Prioritize cost efficiency and relationships with dominant high-volume US buyers, while exploring premium EU opportunities to diversify revenue streams.

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

US buyers benefit from stable bulk supply, while EU buyers access higher-grade products. All face dependency risks due to Peru’s concentrated export structure.

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

Exported as standardized bulk commodity (US/regional markets) or specialized input (EU) for food manufacturing, with minimal value-add differentiation.