Peru, a South American nation with a dynamic economy, has been actively seeking to strengthen its trade ties with countries in the Middle East and North Africa. This report provides an overview of the main Arab markets for Peruvian exports, highlights key products, and presents available trade volume data, offering valuable insights for Arab importers looking to diversify their sourcing.

Peru has been actively developing its trade relations with various Arab countries, particularly those in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The focus has been on increasing bilateral trade and investment, recognizing the significant potential in these markets.

The UAE stands out as a significant trade partner for Peru in the Arab world. Bilateral trade between the UAE and Peru has shown substantial growth. In 2023, Peru’s exports to the United Arab Emirates reached US$1.03 billion [1]. Over the past decade (2012-2021), aggregate export levels from Peru to the UAE exceeded US$4.1 billion [2]. This strong trade relationship is further underscored by the total trade between the two nations reaching US$2.5 billion [3].

Saudi Arabia is another growing market for Peruvian exports. Diplomatic relations between Peru and Saudi Arabia began in 1986, with Peru opening an embassy in Riyadh [4]. While Peru’s total exports to Saudi Arabia were US$11.91 million in 2023 [5], there is a strong push to increase agricultural and food exports to the Kingdom [6]. Peruvian blueberry exports to Saudi Arabia, for instance, tripled, positioning Peru as a key supplier [7].

Peru is also keen on promoting bilateral dialogue and cooperation with other GCC countries. A Framework Agreement on Trade, Economic, Technical, and Investment Cooperation between Peru and the GCC countries was established in 2012, aiming to substantially increase trade and investment [8, 9]. Kuwait, for example, saw Peru open its first embassy in the Middle East in Kuwait City in 1989, highlighting early efforts to foster relations [10].

Peruvian exports to Arab countries are diverse, encompassing a range of products from agricultural goods to minerals. The primary categories of goods exported reflect Peru’s natural resource wealth and agricultural prowess.