Peru’s pea exports slow in value despite higher volumes in 2025

Peru’s pea sector — involving more than 20,000 rural farming families — is facing strong international price pressure in 2025, following the record export performance achieved in 2024.

Global competition remains dominated by large-scale producers. Canada leads exports of dry peas through industrial production linked to the plant-protein market and bulk shipments to China. Russia and Ukraine operate similar large-area, low-cost models, with Russia significantly increasing shipments to China in 2024, shifting traditional trade flows.

In the European market for edible-pod peas, Peru’s main niche, competition has intensified. Zimbabwe continues to supply at lower prices during July–September, while Egypt’s 20–25% expansion in cultivated area in 2024–2025 generated oversupply, although planted area is expected to decrease in 2026.

Peru closed 2024 with 14,447 tonnes exported, valued at US$ 47.9 million.

Between January and September 2025, exports reached 12,901 tonnes for US$ 36 million, representing +6% in volume but -8% in value versus the same period in 2024. Shipments to Europe fell 23%, although European import demand is projected to rise from week 38 due to delayed local harvests caused by unusually low night temperatures and high humidity.

Peru remains competitive due to stable product quality, reliable maritime logistics, and an extended harvest season. The sector operates under a mixed model: smallholder production feeding into agro-industrial processors for freezing and canning, under BPA/BPM, SENASA requirements, and growing adoption of GlobalG.A.P. and organic certification.

Growth prospects continue in markets demanding plant-based protein ingredients and traceability, particularly the EU and Japan. However, price volatility and competition from low-cost origins such as Russia and Canada remain the main risks.

source: agraria.pe

photo: b2peru.pe