Arabian Economic Activity in and Towards Peru

Growing Confidence and Strategic Investment in Peru’s Key Sectors.

Arabian Economic Activity in and Towards Peru

Growing Confidence and Strategic Investment in Peru’s Key Sectors.

$3B

Total investment by DP World in Peru since 2010

$39.4M

Value of Peru’s imports from Saudi Arabia in 2023

$3B

Total investment by DP World in Peru since 2010

$39.4M

Value of Peru’s imports from Saudi Arabia in 2023

DP World

DP World, a leading global supply chain solutions provider based in Dubai, UAE, has made significant investments in Peru’s port infrastructure. DP World Callao, their operation in Peru, achieved record growth in 2024 with a $1 billion expansion, boosting container capacity and sustainability efforts [1]. Since 2010, DP World has invested more than $3 billion in infrastructure at Callao, with the agricultural sector being one of the biggest beneficiaries of these enhancements [2]. The Peruvian government has also expressed interest in further expanding port infrastructure with DP World [3]. This long-term commitment underscores the strategic importance of Peru as a logistics hub in Latin America for Arabian investors.

Other Significant Investments

Beyond port infrastructure, Arabian companies are exploring and executing investments in other vital sectors:

  • Energy Sector: Saudi Aramco, a major Saudi Arabian oil and gas company, has reportedly acquired Primax, a fuel distributor with operations in Peru, signaling an expansion into the Peruvian fuel market [4, 5]. This acquisition highlights the growing interest of Arabian energy giants in Latin American markets.

  • Mining Sector: Saudi Arabia and Peru have engaged in discussions to enhance bilateral relations, particularly in the industrial and mining sectors, indicating potential future investments in Peru’s rich mineral resources [6].

These investments demonstrate a clear trend of increasing Arabian economic presence in Peru, contributing to its development and strengthening bilateral ties.

Imports from Arab Countries to Peru

The trade flow is not unidirectional; Peru also imports various products from Arab countries. While the volume of imports from Arab countries to Peru is generally lower than Peru’s exports to the region, it represents a growing area of economic activity.

Peru’s imports from the UAE were valued at US$44 million in 2023 [7]. While specific product categories for imports from the UAE were not extensively detailed in the search results, the overall trade relationship is expanding, suggesting a diversification of goods exchanged.

Peru’s imports from Saudi Arabia amounted to US$39.42 million in 2023 [8]. Key import categories from Saudi Arabia to Peru include:

  • Plastics and Articles Thereof: This is a significant import category, with US$31.83 million in plastics and related articles imported from Saudi Arabia between April 2024 and March 2025 [9].

  • Ores, Slag, and Ash: These products also contribute to the import volume from Saudi Arabia [9].

In 2016, Peru’s imports from the Arab world accounted for 0.884% of its total goods imports [10]. While this percentage might seem small, the increasing engagement and discussions around free trade agreements indicate a potential for growth in both directions of trade.

Conclusion

The economic relationship between Arab countries and Peru is characterized by growing investments and an evolving trade dynamic. Significant Arabian investments, particularly from the UAE with DP World’s substantial contributions to Peru’s port infrastructure, highlight a strong commitment to Peru’s economic development. Furthermore, Saudi Arabian interest in Peru’s energy and mining sectors indicates a diversification of Arabian investment portfolios in the region. While imports from Arab countries to Peru are currently smaller in volume compared to exports, there is a clear potential for growth, especially in sectors like plastics and chemicals from Saudi Arabia. The ongoing dialogues and framework agreements between Peru and the GCC countries underscore a mutual desire to deepen economic cooperation, paving the way for increased trade and investment flows in the future.