Peru - Mainland China Trade 2025 Q1: Resource-for-Tech Surplus

Key Market Takeaways: Peru - Mainland China Trade

The bilateral trade relationship between Peru and Mainland China showed mixed growth with underlying volatility in Q1 2025.

• Peru maintained a $1.71B trade surplus, exporting $6.17B (primarily ores) while importing $4.46B (led by machinery) from China.
• Trade statistics reveal a "Resource-for-Tech" dynamic: Peru supplies 82% of its exports as raw ores (HS 26), while relying on China for high-value electronics (HS 85).
• Highly complementary but asymmetric: China dominates value-added manufacturing, while Peru’s role remains concentrated in commodity exports.

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

Peru-Mainland China Trade Trend in Q1 2025

Peru Export Performance: Shipments to Mainland China

• Total Volume: $6.17B in Q1 2025.
• Growth Trend & Context: YoY growth was mixed, with January up 34.25% and February down 14.46%, while March saw a marginal decline (-0.84%). No specific trade news explains these fluctuations.
• Key Volatility: February recorded a sharp MoM drop (-27.91%), followed by a rebound in March (+22.13%).

Peru Import Performance: Sourcing from Mainland China

• Total Volume: $4.46B in Q1 2025.
• Growth Trend & Context: Strong YoY growth persisted (January +40.5%, March +37.84%), though February moderated to +25.72%. No news context provided.
• Key Volatility: February saw a 14.13% MoM decline before recovering in March (+11.12%).

Peru - Mainland China Trade Balance & Market Dynamics

• Net Position: Peru held a trade surplus of $1.71B (Exports $6.17B > Imports $4.46B).
• Relationship Status: Maintained a net exporter role, with exports outpacing imports by 38% in Q1.

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

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

Get Historical Peru Mainland China Trade Records

Peru-Mainland China Top Trading Products in Q1 2025

Peru Export Profile: What Does Peru Sell to Mainland China

• Top Commodity: Rank #1 Export is HS 26 (Ores, slag, and ash) with 82.14% share.
• Demand Driver: Mainland China uses these raw materials for industrial processing, likely in steel and metal production.
• Concentration: Trade is heavily concentrated, with HS 26 alone accounting for over 80% of exports.

Peru Import Profile: What Does Peru Buy from Mainland China

• Top Commodity: Rank #1 Import is HS 85 (Electrical machinery and equipment) with 18.13% share.
• Dependency Nature: Critical technology dependency, as imports are dominated by high-tech and machinery products.

Peru - Mainland China Trade Relationship Dynamics

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

Import Analysis by Product: Mainland China to Peru (Source: yTrade)

Export Analysis by Product: Peru to Mainland China (Source: yTrade)

Check Detailed Peru-Mainland China Trade HS Code Breakdown

Future Outlook & Strategic Recommendations

Forecast

Peru’s trade surplus with Mainland China is expected to hold steady in Q2 2025, driven by sustained demand for ores (HS 26) amid China’s industrial expansion. However, volatility in monthly export growth signals potential supply chain disruptions or price sensitivity, requiring close monitoring. Imports of high-tech machinery (HS 85) will likely maintain strong YoY growth, reinforcing the resource-for-tech exchange. Traders should prepare for tighter margins in raw material exports if global commodity prices fluctuate.

Strategic Moves

• Lock in Long-Term Ore Contracts: Peruvian exporters must secure fixed-price agreements with Chinese buyers to mitigate price volatility and ensure stable revenue streams.
• Diversify Import Sources: Reduce overreliance on Chinese electronics by exploring alternative suppliers in Southeast Asia or Mexico to hedge against geopolitical risks.
• Invest in Value-Added Processing: Peru should prioritize domestic refining of ores to capture higher margins and reduce dependency on raw material exports.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Peru - Mainland China trade perform in 2025 Q1?

Peru exported $6.17B to Mainland China and imported $4.46B, with mixed YoY growth trends across months.

What are the top exports from Peru to Mainland China?

HS 26 (Ores, slag, and ash) dominated Peru’s exports, accounting for 82.14% of shipments to Mainland China.

What does Peru import from Mainland China?

HS 85 (Electrical machinery and equipment) was the top import, representing 18.13% of Peru’s purchases from Mainland China.

What is the trade balance between Peru and Mainland China?

Peru held a trade surplus of $1.71B, with exports outpacing imports by 38% in Q1 2025.