Peru’s export surge highlights strategic role of air cargo: IATA

Air cargo connectivity is playing a crucial role in strengthening Peru’s export economy, particularly in the rapidly expanding fresh produce sector. Peru’s total export value grew substantially from $33.7 billion in 2015 to $90.1 billion in 2025, representing a compound annual growth rate of 10.3 percent, nearly four times the global average growth rate of around 2.19 percent. A key driver behind this growth has been the country’s expanding agro-export sector, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables that depend on fast and reliable transport.

According to a new report released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) World Cargo Symposium in Lima, Peru. The report highlights how reliable air freight services have enabled Peru to significantly increase exports over the past decade, allowing time-sensitive agricultural products to reach global markets quickly while maintaining quality. Opening the IATA World Cargo Symposium in Lima, Denisse Miralles, Prime Minister of Peru said the country is “consolidating a path of openness and global integration,” highlighting the role of air cargo and logistics in boosting trade and tourism.

The value of Peru’s fresh fruit and vegetable exports has more than tripled during the same period, increasing from $2.4 billion in 2015 to $8.1 billion in 2025. Peru has emerged as a leading global supplier of products such as Blueberries, Asparagus, and Grapes, all of which require rapid transportation to preserve freshness and quality during long-distance shipments.

Air cargo has been a key enabler of this expansion by allowing producers to access distant markets in North America, Europe, and Asia. The report notes that while air cargo accounts for only 1.3 percent of Peru’s export tonnage, it represents 23 percent of the country’s export value, highlighting its critical role in transporting high-value and time-sensitive goods.

According to Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo, “Peru’s export success demonstrates how air cargo connectivity allows countries to expand their economic potential through access to global markets. Reliable air transport enables producers to deliver perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables to distant destinations quickly while maintaining product quality, opening opportunities in higher-value international markets. That connectivity helps farmers reach global consumers and supports jobs, growth, and diversification across the economy.”

The agro-export sector has also had a significant impact on employment in the country. Although it represents less than 10 percent of the total value of Peru’s exports, the sector accounts for more than 40 percent of export-related employment, showing its importance for job creation and regional economic development.

Cargo airlines continue to play an essential role in supporting this connectivity. Andrés Bianchi, CEO of LATAM Cargo Group, noted that strong air cargo networks are crucial not only for exports but also for ensuring the timely arrival of imported inputs and technology that support production across industries.

Bianchi emphasised that reliable air connectivity enables time-sensitive sectors to compete in distant, high-value markets, while strengthening global supply chains that support long-term economic growth. The report ultimately underscores the strategic role of air cargo in facilitating trade, enabling agricultural producers to reach international consumers and helping economies such as Peru expand their presence in global markets.