Alpaca fiber exports reach 89 million dollars in 2024.

In the first five months of 2024, exports of alpaca fiber and its derivatives reached an impressive figure of 89 million dollars, according to a report from the Manufacturing Management of the Association of Exporters (Adex). This 33% growth compared to the same period last year, when 67.1 million dollars were recorded, reflects the increasing demand and the value that this sector brings to the Peruvian economy. The announcement of this remarkable increase was made in the context of the celebration of National Alpaca Day, an occasion that highlights the cultural and economic importance of this Andean camelid in Peru. The main companies driving these exports include Michell and Cía. S.A., Inca Tops S.A., and Clasificadora de Lanas Macedo S.A.C., among others, which have played a crucial role in positioning alpaca fiber in international markets. Carlos Penny-Bidegaray, president of Adex's Textile Committee, emphasized the need to carry out a National Census of Peruvian Camelids this year. This measure, which will be coordinated with the Minister of Agrarian Development and Irrigation, Ángel Manero, and officials from the National Forestry and Wildlife Service (Serfor), aims to obtain accurate data on the alpaca population in the country, which is essential for the planning and sustainable development of this industry. The report also highlights that shipments with added value represented 47.4% of the total exported, reaching 42.2 million dollars, which constitutes a 20% growth compared to the previous year. Since 2020, these dispatches have shown an average annual growth rate of 23.5%, indicating a positive trend in the transformation of alpaca fiber into more elaborate products. Among the exported products, yarns were the most significant, reaching 23.8 million dollars, with an increase of 16.7% and accounting for 56.3% of total exports. Other notable categories include knitted garments and home textiles, which have also shown significant growth in demand. In terms of raw materials, 46.8 million dollars were exported, representing a 46.5% growth compared to 2023. Within this category, tops stand out as the main product, with sales reaching 41.8 million dollars, equivalent to 89.3% of the total raw material exports. Geographically, the region of Arequipa leads alpaca fiber and its derivatives exports, contributing 74.3 million dollars. Lima also plays an important role with 12.6 million dollars, while other regions such as Puno and Junín contribute smaller, yet still relevant figures to the overall picture. The main destinations for Peruvian alpaca are China, the United States, and Italy, which together represent 69% of exports of processed alpaca products. This data underscores the importance of diversifying markets and ensuring the sustainability of trade routes, especially in a global context that presents various challenges. The growing demand for alpaca products in the international market not only highlights the potential of the Peruvian textile industry but also underscores the need to care for and conserve alpaca breeds, as well as to implement sustainable practices that benefit both producers and the country’s biodiversity. In conclusion, the performance of the alpaca fiber export sector during the first months of 2024 is not only a reflection of Peru's economic dynamism but also of the country's capacity to position itself as a leader in the production of high-quality products worldwide. The celebration of National Alpaca Day thus becomes an opportunity to celebrate not only Peru’s cultural and biological wealth but also its growing role in the global economy.