Quinoa market in Peru

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, quinoa production in Peru increased from 86.8 thousand tons to 114.2 thousand tons, while the market volume grew from 35.3 thousand tons to 68.7 thousand tons. This expansion was driven by national and international policies promoting consumption and cultivation, alongside an intensification of production as farmers shifted from traditional to more technological systems to meet demand. In 2019, a decline in exports due to rising international competition from countries like Bolivia and Spain made more product available for the domestic market, further supporting its growth.

In 2023, production sharply fell to 72.8 thousand tons following severe droughts in the southern highlands, which reduced the market volume to 28.2 thousand tons. By 2024, production recovered to approximately 110 thousand tons as the sector overcame the water crisis, supported by investments in quality improvement, sustainable practices, and the diversification of export markets to over 70 countries.

Throughout the period, the sector faced persistent climatic challenges such as droughts and soil salinity, particularly in highland regions. At the same time, increasing international competition from new producer countries influenced export volumes. Peru responded with policy measures and regulatory improvements to strengthen the value chain, including bills to support quinoa and Andean grains, helping to maintain its position as a leading global exporter.

Production quinoa in Peru

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Peru was the world's leading producer of quinoa from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of quinoa, 2017-2020

World map of production of quinoa, 2017-2020

Peru's quinoa production grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 100.2 thousand tonnes of quinoa, marking a 12.1% year-on-year increase. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 27.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 8.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Peru in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, Peru's quinoa production value declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 245.0 million US dollars, down 0.6% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 32.8%, with an annualized rate of 9.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 246.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 16.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Peru in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports quinoa from Peru

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, Peru's quinoa export volumes rebounded. In 2020, the country exported 50 998 tonnes, showing a slight increase of 3.0% compared to the previous year. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 49 498 tonnes, which experienced the largest decline of 4.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Peru in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Peru's quinoa exports in kind were not heavily concentrated in a few markets. The United States accounted for 33.8% of exports, Canada for 8.1%, and the Netherlands for 6.3%, together making up 48.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Peru in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Following two years of growth, Peru's quinoa export value decreased. In 2020, exports were valued at 124.7 million US dollars, down 8.6% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 2.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%. The peak value was in 2019 at 136.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 8.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Peru in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands were the key partners for Peru's quinoa exports in value terms. The United States accounted for 36.3% of exports, Canada for 8.3%, and the Netherlands for 6.1%, together representing 50.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Peru in value, 2017-2020

Imports quinoa to Peru

Imports in kind, t

Peru's quinoa imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 3 tonnes, down 86.3% from 2019. Between 2018 and 2020, imports fell by 97.2%, equating to an annualized decrease of 69.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Peru in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Bolivia and Germany were the primary sources for Peru's quinoa imports in kind, together accounting for 81.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Peru in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Peru's quinoa imports in value terms declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, import value reached 0.0 million US dollars, down 91.2% year-on-year. Between 2018 and 2020, imports decreased by 96.6%, with an annualized rate of 67.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Peru in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Bolivia and Germany remained the largest sources for Peru's quinoa imports in value terms, jointly representing 67.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Peru in value, 2017-2020