Peruvian metal exports exceed 31 billion dollars in 12 months.

In the last 12 months, Peruvian metal exports such as copper, gold, and zinc have reached record figures, exceeding 31 billion dollars. According to a report from the Institute for Research and Development of Foreign Trade of the Lima Chamber of Commerce (Idexcam), exports of these three mining products totaled 31.918 billion dollars, translating to a volume of 12,273,669 tons exported. This performance underscores the relevance of mining in the Peruvian economy, as well as its ability to integrate into international markets. Óscar Quiñones, head of Idexcam, highlighted that copper, zinc, and gold are the main mining products exported by Peru, reaching a total of 32 international markets during the analyzed period. "These shipments represent approximately 85% of the country's total mining exports," Quiñones noted, emphasizing the importance of these metals in Peru's foreign trade. Analyzing the figures more closely, copper concentrate exports totaled 19.976 billion dollars, with a volume of 9,783,546 tons. China has consolidated itself as the main destination for Peruvian copper, absorbing 77% of the exports, equivalent to a FOB value of 15.502 billion dollars. Japan and South Korea are also among the main buyers, together accounting for 10% of the exports of this metal. Export prices for copper to China have shown remarkable stability, fluctuating between 1,992 and 2,499 dollars per ton in most of the analyzed months. However, variations were recorded in recent months, which could reflect changes in global demand or dynamics in the international market. In the case of zinc, exports reached 1.632 billion dollars, with China, South Korea, and Spain being the main destination markets. China led the imports with a monthly volume of 105,698 tons, valued at 717 million dollars. The average export price to this country ranged between 679 and 1,013 dollars per ton, showing a constant demand that favors the stability of this trade. Gold exports, on the other hand, reached 10.310 billion dollars, with a total exported volume of 446,817 kilograms. India positioned itself as the main market for Peruvian gold, with an exported value of 2.877 billion dollars. Although India ranks first in value, in terms of volume, its share is lower because almost half of the gold exported to this country has a high level of purity, which increases its price. In this context, the highest price recorded during the analyzed period was 59,021 dollars per kilogram of gold, highlighting the quality of Peruvian products in the international market. Canada and Switzerland follow India in the ranking of importing countries, reaching exported values of 2.757 billion and 2.067 billion dollars, respectively. The outlook for Peruvian metal exports is encouraging, not only due to the figures achieved but also because of the diversification of markets that have developed. However, challenges persist in the mining sector that must be addressed to ensure the sustainability of these exports in the long term. The need for responsible mining and compliance with environmental standards are issues that must be on the sector's agenda. It is also crucial for authorities and market players to work together to maximize growth opportunities, ensuring that the benefits of this economic activity are distributed equitably among the population. Mining has the potential to be a driver of development, but its success will depend on the ability to adapt to a constantly changing global environment. The future of Peruvian mining exports seems promising, but a long-term vision and a firm commitment to sustainability will be needed to ensure that these positive results are maintained over time. Attention to international markets and product quality will continue to be determining factors in this key sector of the national economy.