Peru - Japan Trade 2025 Q1: Surplus & Tech Exchange

Key Market Takeaways: Peru - Japan Trade

The bilateral trade relationship between Peru and Japan shows growth with notable volatility in Q1 2025.

• Economic Pulse: Peru holds a $407.41M trade surplus with Japan, driven by $682.88M in exports against $275.47M in imports—though export swings demand caution.
• Exchange Structure: Peru - Japan trade statistics reveal a resource-for-tech dynamic: Peru supplies ores and fuels (82.63% of exports), while Japan dominates with vehicles and machinery (36.50% and critical tech shares).
• Strategic Interdependence: Highly complementary economies, with Japan leveraging Peru’s raw materials for industrial output and Peru relying on Japan’s high-value manufacturing.

This bilateral trade snapshot is based on verified customs data from the yTrade database.

Peru-Japan Trade Trend in Q1 2025

Peru Export Performance: Shipments to Japan

• Total Volume: $682.88M in Q1 2025.
• Growth Trend & Context:
  • Volatile YoY performance: February surged 42.03%, while January and March dropped sharply (-37.89% and -35.05%, respectively).
• Key Volatility: February saw a 109.59% MoM spike, but March corrected with a -41.73% decline.

Peru Import Performance: Sourcing from Japan

• Total Volume: $275.47M in Q1 2025.
• Growth Trend & Context:
  • Mixed YoY trends: February grew 15.84%, March surged 22.59%, but January fell -3.48%.
• Key Volatility: March was the peak month (14.51% MoM growth), while February dipped -2.31%.

Peru - Japan Trade Balance & Market Dynamics

• Net Position: Trade surplus of $407.41M (Exports > Imports).
• Relationship Status: Peru maintains a strong net exporter role with Japan, though export volatility warrants monitoring.

Peru Import Trend from Japan 2025 Q1 (Source: yTrade)**

Peru Export Trend to Japan 2025 Q1 (Source: yTrade)**

Get Historical Peru Japan Trade Records

Peru-Japan Top Trading Products in Q1 2025

Peru Export Profile: What Does Peru Sell to Japan

• Top Commodity: Rank #1 export is HS Code 26 (Ores, slag, and ash) at 48.56% of total exports to Japan.
• Demand Driver: Japan uses these raw materials for industrial processing, likely in steel and metal production.
• Concentration: Trade is highly concentrated, with HS Code 26 and HS Code 27 (Mineral fuels, oils) together accounting for 82.63% of exports.

Peru Import Profile: What Does Peru Buy from Japan

• Top Commodity: Rank #1 import is HS Code 87 (Vehicles) at 36.50% of total imports from Japan.
• Dependency Nature: Critical technology dependency, with HS Code 84 (Machinery) and HS Code 90 (Optical/medical instruments) reinforcing Japan’s role as a high-tech supplier.

Peru - Japan Trade Relationship Dynamics

• The Exchange Model: Resource-for-Tech Complementarity. Peru exports raw materials (ores, fuels) and imports high-value machinery and vehicles.
• Value Chain Position: Japan holds the higher value-add position, supplying advanced manufactured goods, while Peru provides low-processed commodities.

Import Analysis by Product: Japan to Peru (Source: yTrade)

Export Analysis by Product: Peru to Japan (Source: yTrade)

Check Detailed Peru-Japan Trade HS Code Breakdown

Future Outlook & Strategic Recommendations

Forecast for Peru-Japan Trade

Peru’s trade surplus with Japan is expected to hold steady in Q2 2025, driven by sustained Japanese demand for raw materials like ores and mineral fuels. However, export volatility—marked by sharp monthly swings—calls for caution, as global commodity price fluctuations could disrupt short-term stability. Meanwhile, Japan’s high-tech exports to Peru, particularly vehicles and machinery, will likely grow steadily, reinforcing the resource-for-tech exchange model. Traders should prepare for potential supply chain adjustments if Peru’s export volatility persists.

Strategic Moves for Stakeholders

• Lock in Long-Term Contracts: Peruvian exporters of ores (HS Code 26) and fuels (HS Code 27) should secure multi-year agreements with Japanese buyers to mitigate price instability and ensure steady revenue.
• Diversify Export Markets: Peru must reduce overreliance on Japan for critical tech imports (HS Codes 84, 87, 90) by exploring alternative suppliers in South Korea or the EU to avoid supply bottlenecks.
• Monitor Commodity Hedging: Given the wild swings in monthly export values, Peruvian firms should actively hedge against price risks in key commodities to protect margins.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Peru - Japan trade perform in 2025 Q1?

Peru exported $682.88M to Japan and imported $275.47M, with volatile growth trends including a 42.03% YoY surge in February but sharp drops in January and March.

What are the top exports from Peru to Japan?

Ores, slag, and ash (HS Code 26) and mineral fuels/oils (HS Code 27) dominate, accounting for 82.63% of Peru’s exports to Japan.

What does Peru import from Japan?

Vehicles (HS Code 87) lead at 36.50%, followed by machinery (HS Code 84) and optical/medical instruments (HS Code 90), reflecting Japan’s high-tech exports.

What is the trade balance between Peru and Japan?

Peru holds a trade surplus of $407.41M with Japan, maintaining its role as a net exporter despite export volatility.