Peru Zinc Ores HS260800 Export Data 2025 October Overview

Peru Zinc Ores (HS 260800) 2025 October Export: Key Takeaways

Peru's Zinc Ores exports (HS Code 260800) in October 2025 reveal a market dominated by China, which accounted for 60% of volume but at slightly lower unit prices, signaling bulk purchases of standard-grade ores. Spain and Brazil showed higher unit prices, suggesting demand for premium grades, while Japan and South Korea mirrored China's cost-driven bulk imports. The data highlights high buyer concentration risk, with China's overwhelming share underscoring the need for market diversification. This analysis, covering October 2025, is based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database.

Peru Zinc Ores (HS 260800) 2025 October Export Background

What is HS Code 260800?

HS Code 260800 refers to zinc ores and concentrates, a critical raw material primarily used in galvanizing, alloy production, and battery manufacturing. Global demand remains stable due to its essential role in construction, automotive, and renewable energy sectors. Peru, as a top global zinc producer, plays a pivotal role in supplying this commodity to international markets.

Current Context and Strategic Position

On 2 April 2025, the U.S. imposed a 10% baseline tariff on all trading partners, including Peru, under an Executive Order [EY Tax News]. Despite this, the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) maintains tariff-free access for qualifying goods, including zinc ores [U.S. Trade.gov]. Peru’s Zinc Ores HS Code 260800 Export in October 2025 warrants close monitoring, as the country’s export competitiveness hinges on balancing tariff policies and global commodity demand shifts.

Peru Zinc Ores (HS 260800) 2025 October Export: Trend Summary

Key Observations

Peru Zinc Ores HS Code 260800 Export 2025 October posted a strong rebound, reaching a value of $261.08 million and a volume of 232.08 million kg. This represents a significant recovery from the previous month's lows.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The October figures show a sharp 55% month-over-month increase in value and a 40% rise in volume, reversing the downward trend from August and September. This rebound aligns with typical mining and export cycles, where operations often accelerate after seasonal slowdowns. Year-to-date, the October performance reinforces the overall growth trajectory seen in 2025, despite mid-year volatility.

External Context and Outlook

The sustained strength in export values throughout 2025 can be partly attributed to new U.S. tariff policies. [On 2 April 2025, the U.S. imposed a 10% baseline tariff on all trading partners (EY Tax News)]. However, goods under the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement remain duty-free, which likely helped maintain competitive export flows. Moving forward, market stability will depend on both demand cycles and ongoing trade policy adjustments.

Peru Zinc Ores (HS 260800) 2025 October Export: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In October 2025, Peru's export of Zinc Ores under HS Code 260800 is entirely concentrated in a single product type. According to yTrade data, the sole sub-code, Zinc ores and concentrates, accounts for 100% of the export value and weight, with a unit price of 1.12 USD per kilogram. This complete focus indicates a highly specialized trade in raw mineral exports for this period.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

With only one sub-code present, the export structure for Peru Zinc Ores HS Code 260800 in October 2025 is uniform, consisting solely of raw ores and concentrates. This suggests a trade in fungible bulk commodities, where products are typically standardized and priced based on global market indices rather than differentiated qualities or processing stages.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

The high concentration in raw Zinc Ores exports means Peru may have limited pricing power as a price-taker in global commodity markets. However, external factors like the U.S. 10% baseline tariff on imports [EY Tax News] could impact demand and costs, requiring exporters to monitor trade policies closely for strategic adjustments.

Check Detailed HS 260800 Breakdown

Peru Zinc Ores (HS 260800) 2025 October Export: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In October 2025, Peru's zinc ores exports under HS Code 260800 were highly concentrated, with China Mainland dominating as the top importer. China accounted for 60.37% of the weight but only 59.66% of the value, indicating a slightly lower unit price of about 1.11 USD per kilogram. This suggests China is purchasing large volumes of standard grade ores in bulk.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The importers form two main clusters. First, China, Japan, and South Korea import high volumes at lower unit prices, likely due to their strong industrial demand for raw materials and cost-efficient bulk buying. Second, Spain and Brazil show higher unit prices; Spain's imports may involve higher grade ores, while Brazil's much higher price points to specialized or premium ores for specific uses.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

Peru should diversify its export markets to reduce dependence on China and capitalize on higher-value opportunities in Spain and Brazil. For zinc ores as a commodity, focusing on consistent quality and exploring new trade partnerships can help mitigate price volatility and enhance supply chain stability.

Table: Peru Zinc Ores (HS 260800) Top Partner Countries (Source: yTrade)

Get Complete Partner Countries Profile

Peru Zinc Ores (HS 260800) 2025 October Export: Buyer Cluster

Buyer Market Concentration and Dominance

According to yTrade data, the Peru Zinc Ores Export 2025 October under HS Code 260800 shows a highly concentrated buyer market. One segment of buyers, those making frequent and high-value purchases, dominates with over 83% of the total export value. This group also accounts for nearly 85% of the quantity shipped, indicating that a small number of large, regular buyers drive the market. The overall market is characterized by high volume and consistent trade flows, with the median buyer behavior skewed towards substantial, repeated transactions.

Strategic Buyer Clusters and Trade Role

The other three segments play smaller but distinct roles. Buyers with high value but low frequency likely represent occasional large orders, possibly from traders or processors securing bulk shipments. Those with low value and high frequency are smaller, regular purchasers, such as local distributors or niche market players. The infrequent, low-value buyers are minor participants, perhaps one-time or experimental clients. For a commodity like zinc ores, this structure suggests a core of major industrial consumers supplemented by auxiliary traders and smaller operators.

Sales Strategy and Vulnerability

For Peruvian exporters, the strategy should focus on maintaining relationships with the dominant large buyers while cautiously exploring opportunities in other segments to reduce dependency. The high concentration poses a risk if key buyers reduce orders, but the stable demand from major players offers security. Sales models should prioritize long-term contracts and bulk shipments. Notably, external factors like the US 10% baseline tariff on imports could increase costs for exports to the US, adding a layer of vulnerability that requires monitoring and potential diversification of markets.

Table: Peru Zinc Ores (HS 260800) Key Buyer Companies (Source: yTrade)

Check Full Zinc Ores Buyer lists

Peru Zinc Ores (HS 260800) 2025 October Export: Action Plan for Zinc Ores Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

The Peru Zinc Ores Export 2025 October under HS Code 260800 is a commodity-driven market. Price is set by global zinc indices and ore quality grades. Geopolitical risks, like the US 10% tariff, add volatility. High buyer and geographic concentration means Peru acts as a bulk supplier. This creates supply chain risks from dependency on few partners. Focus must be on securing stable flows and exploring value upgrades.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Zinc Ores Market Execution

• Use buyer frequency data to lock in long-term contracts with top clients. This ensures consistent revenue and reduces order fluctuations.
• Analyze destination unit prices to target premium markets like Spain. This boosts margins by selling higher-grade ores.
• Monitor global zinc price indexes daily to adjust export pricing. This keeps offers competitive and aligned with market shifts.
• Track trade policy updates, such as tariff changes, to plan cost mitigations. This protects profits from external shocks.
• Explore data on smaller buyer segments to diversify the customer base. This reduces reliance on major buyers and enhances resilience.

Take Action Now —— Explore Peru Zinc Ores Export Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in Peru Zinc Ores Export 2025 October?

The October 2025 rebound saw a 55% surge in value and 40% in volume, reversing prior declines. This aligns with seasonal mining cycles and stable demand, though U.S. tariff policies add uncertainty for non-trade-agreement exports.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this Peru Zinc Ores Export 2025 October?

China dominates with 60% of volume and value, followed by Japan, South Korea, Spain, and Brazil. China’s bulk purchases reflect its industrial demand for raw ores.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across Peru Zinc Ores Export 2025 October partner countries?

Price variations stem from trade in standardized bulk ores (e.g., China at 1.11 USD/kg) versus higher-grade or specialized shipments (e.g., Brazil’s premium-priced ores).

Q4. What should exporters in Peru focus on in the current Zinc Ores export market?

Prioritize long-term contracts with dominant bulk buyers (83% of value) while diversifying to higher-value markets like Spain and Brazil to reduce reliance on China.

Q5. What does this Peru Zinc Ores export pattern mean for buyers in partner countries?

Major buyers (e.g., China) benefit from stable bulk supply, while niche markets (e.g., Brazil) access specialized ores. High buyer concentration ensures reliability but limits negotiation leverage.

Q6. How is Zinc Ores typically used in this trade flow?

Peru’s exports consist entirely of raw ores and concentrates, primarily for industrial smelting and processing into zinc metal or alloys.