Beyond the fruit: the economic impact of hass avocado on international transactions in Peru (2005-2024)

Abstract

Over the past two decades, Hass avocado has emerged as one of the leading drivers of Peru’s foreign trade. This study aims to examine how its export performance has influenced the national economy during the period from 2005 to 2024. Based on consolidated statistical data, the research analyzes the dynamics of Peru’s Hass avocado exports and their impact on key economic variables. A descriptive-correlational methodology was employed, relying on secondary data from official sources. The main objective was to explore how the trajectory of this emblematic product —central to the country’s non-traditional agro-export basket— aligns with the performance of total exports, non-traditional exports, the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and, more specifically, the agricultural GDP. The analysis reveals statistically significant associations. Notably, there is a strong correlation with the agricultural GDP, where the coefficient of determination (R²) approaches 0.92, and with non-traditional exports, with an R² exceeding 0.86. High correlations were also found with other indicators, highlighting the crop’s considerable economic relevance. In 2024, Peru shipped over USD 1.246 billion in Hass avocado exports, securing its position as the world’s second-largest exporter of the fruit. Despite challenges such as the pandemic and global price volatility, the sector has shown a steady and resilient performance over time. In this context, Hass avocado has not only boosted agricultural exports but has also become a cornerstone in Peru’s export diversification strategy.