Sweet potatoe market in Peru

Earlier Report Observations

The Peruvian sweet potato market grew from 269.0 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 293.5 thousand tonnes in 2019. This expansion was supported by the approval of a national quality standard (NTP 011.120) that improved product standardization and by increased domestic demand, particularly for yellow sweet potatoes in the Lima wholesale market, where distribution channels widened.

After a sharp contraction to 231.6 thousand tonnes in 2020, the market recovered strongly to 292.3 thousand tonnes in 2021. The rebound was driven by a 12% rise in supply following the post-pandemic recovery and greater labor availability, alongside promotional campaigns by MIDAGRI to boost domestic consumption. During this period, the introduction of the new INIA 329-Bicentenario variety set expectations for enhanced future export quality.

Market volume fell to 265.2 thousand tonnes in 2022 as higher input costs and inflation raised producer prices, squeezing output. A notable recovery followed in 2023, with production rising by 9% and the market reaching 300.6 thousand tonnes. This growth was reinforced by strengthening domestic demand and the consolidation of PepsiCo as a major industrial buyer, which increased procurement for processed food products.

Production sweet potatoe in Peru

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Peru was among the world's leading producers of sweet potato from 2017 to 2020, ranking 29th globally by production volume.

Top producers of sweet potatoe, 2017-2020

World map of production of sweet potatoe, 2017-2020

Peru's sweet potato production volume declined after two years of growth. In 2020, production reached 243.2 thousand tonnes, marking a significant year-on-year decrease of 19.2%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 5.2%, which translates to an annualized decline of 1.8%. The peak production was recorded in 2019 at 301.0 thousand tonnes, with the largest annual increase of 9.3% occurring that same year.

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

Exports sweet potatoe from Peru

Exports in kind, t

Peru's sweet potato export volumes increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 11 523 tonnes, reflecting a substantial gain of 53.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 123.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 30.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Chile, Ecuador, and Bolivia were the leading destinations for Peru's sweet potato exports by volume. Chile accounted for 54.4% of exports, Ecuador for 19.7%, and Bolivia for 8.9%. Together, these three countries represented 83.0% of total export 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, K $ US

Peru's sweet potato export value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 3 774 thousand US dollars, which is 13.7% higher than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 26.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 437 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 18.5% occurring that year. The largest increase was in 2019, with a 36.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Chile, and the Netherlands were the top destinations for Peru's sweet potato exports by value. The United States accounted for 29.3% of exports, Chile for 20.1%, and the Netherlands for 19.2%. Combined, these three countries represented 68.5% of total export value.

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

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

Imports sweet potatoe to Peru

According to desk-based market research, Peru did not import any sweet potato from 2017 to 2020.