The unique climatic conditions of the Peruvian coast, akin to a "natural greenhouse," have significantly propelled the nation's vegetable export sector forward, posing a growing concern for Chilean agro-exporters. Midagri's data reveals that by the end of 2022, Peru's agricultural exports soared to a record $7,557 million, while Chile's exports stood at $10,664 million. Notably, from 2012 to 2022, Peru's agricultural exports surged at an average annual rate of 10.1%, outpacing Chile's growth rate of 2.4%. César Romero, a foreign trade specialist, predicts that if this trend persists, Peru might eclipse Chile in agricultural exports by 2027, with projections of $12,210 million against Chile's $12,009 million.
Chile's agricultural sector faces significant challenges, notably water scarcity due to overexploitation and privatization, affecting its production capabilities. In contrast, Peru boasts ample water resources, labor, and legal stability for agro-export investors, coupled with a favorable climate that enables year-round production. This advantageous position has already allowed Peru to outperform Chile in exports of key commodities like blueberries, avocados, and grapes. A 2019 study by the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture's Office of Agrarian Studies and Policies acknowledged Peru's growing competitive edge in several agricultural products.
In the fresh grapes segment, between 2012 and 2022, Peru's exports expanded at an average annual rate of 14.1%, dwarfing Chile's 1.9%. Despite Peru surpassing Chile in grape exports in 2021, Chile briefly reclaimed its status as the world's top exporter in 2022 after introducing new grape varieties and achieving successful harvests, according to Romero.
Source: blueberriesconsulting.com