The United States–Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA), implemented in 2009, is one of the most advanced bilateral trade frameworks in Latin America. It offers duty-free access for the majority of U.S. goods, modernizes customs procedures, strengthens labor and environmental standards, and supports high-value trade in mining technology, agriculture, manufacturing, and digital services.

Because Peru’s economy is strongly influenced by global mineral prices and fuel flows, annual trade totals vary significantly. Still, PTPA continues to provide a stable, rules-based foundation for exporters.

---

Overview of U.S.–Peru Trade

• U.S. goods exports to Peru (2024): $11.1 billion, led by machinery, refined fuels, agricultural products, vehicles, and technology solutions.
• U.S. goods imports from Peru (2024): $9.4 billion, primarily copper, gold, agricultural goods, and textiles.
• Tariff Treatment: Nearly all U.S. industrial and consumer goods enter duty-free under PTPA.
• Trade Role: Peru’s modernization in mining, transport, energy, and digital infrastructure continues to drive strong demand for U.S. goods and services.

---

Key PTPA Advantages for U.S. Exporters

1. Duty-Free Access: Immediate elimination of nearly all tariffs on U.S. industrial and agricultural goods.
2. Advanced Customs Procedures: Electronic documentation, pre-arrival processing, and uniform rules that reduce border delays.
3. Strong IP Protections: Enhanced enforcement for software, pharmaceuticals, digital content, and creative industries.
4. Open Market Access for Services: Finance, telecom, logistics, energy services, and professional sectors enjoy national treatment.
5. High Environmental and Labor Standards: Supports sustainable, transparent, and ethical market practices.

These provisions make Peru a reliable, predictable destination for U.S. exports across multiple growth sectors.

---

Strategic Export Opportunities

Sector	Opportunity	Compliance Note
Mining Technology & Equipment	As a global leader in copper, silver, and gold production, Peru consistently imports U.S. drilling, automation, and monitoring systems	Confirm tariff-shift or RVC eligibility under Annex 3.3
Infrastructure & Construction	Large-scale investments in highways, ports, and airports drive imports of U.S. heavy machinery and engineering services	Review procurement obligations under Chapter 9
Software, Cloud & AI Services	Increasing digital transformation in public and private sectors	Align with Peru’s data protection rules and PTPA e-commerce provisions
Agricultural Equipment & Inputs	Growth in export-oriented agriculture supports demand for U.S. irrigation systems, biotech, and cold-chain equipment	Verify SPS requirements under Chapter 6
Energy & Clean Technology	Expansion in hydroelectric, solar, and natural gas infrastructure	Review environmental and energy equipment certifications

---

Rules of Origin and Documentation

To claim duty-free treatment under PTPA, goods must comply with the tariff-shift and regional value content (RVC) rules listed in Annex 3.3 of the agreement. These rules clearly define what qualifies as originating from the United States or Peru.

U.S. exporters should:

• Complete a PTPA Certificate of Origin specifying the tariff-shift or RVC basis for eligibility.
• Maintain supporting documentation for at least five years for potential customs verification.
• Track non-originating materials and bill of materials details with precision.
• Request binding rulings from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or Peru’s SUNAT when classification questions arise.
• Use digital compliance tools to manage FTA certificates, RVC calculations, and classification consistency.

Properly applying Annex 3.3 rules ensures full access to duty-free benefits and minimizes compliance risks.

---

Emerging Trade and Market Insights

• Mining Automation and Sustainability: Investments in remote operations, environmental controls, and digitized mining operations continue to expand opportunities for U.S. exporters.
• Digital Infrastructure Growth: Peru’s digital government initiatives create demand for U.S. cloud services, cybersecurity, and enterprise software.
• Transport and Logistics Modernization: Port and airport upgrades drive demand for U.S. equipment, construction machinery, and engineering services.
• Agricultural Technology Expansion: Export-focused agribusinesses are adopting advanced irrigation, seed technology, and smart-farming systems.
• Renewable Energy Momentum: U.S. cleantech firms benefit from Peru’s focus on solar, hydro, and grid modernization.

These trends align closely with PTPA’s modernization goals and reinforce Peru’s importance as a stable, growth-focused partner for U.S. exporters.

---

Why It Matters for Exporters

The PTPA offers U.S. exporters a powerful combination of zero tariffs, simplified customs processes, strong IP protections, and transparent regulatory frameworks. It supports long-term participation in key Peruvian industries including mining, energy, agriculture, and digital services.

Whether your business exports machinery, cloud services, agricultural inputs, or industrial systems, aligning with PTPA’s rules of origin and documentation requirements is essential for unlocking consistent, low-friction access to one of South America’s most dynamic economies.

To automate HTS verification, run RVC calculations, and confirm PTPA eligibility using Annex 3.3 rules, explore Trade Insight AI for intelligent trade compliance and FTA management.

---

Series Note:
This article is part of the Export Snapshot series, offering detailed insights into U.S. Free Trade Agreements and how exporters can use AI-driven compliance tools to expand globally with confidence.