"Alpaca fiber exports in Peru grow by 33% in the first half of 2024."

Recent information provided by the Exporters Association (Adex) reveals an encouraging outlook for the Peruvian textile sector, especially for alpaca fiber. Between January and May of this year 2024, exports of alpaca fiber and its derivatives reached a remarkable figure of US$89 million, representing a 33% growth compared to the same period in 2023. This increase coincides with the celebration of National Alpaca Day, commemorated on August 1st, highlighting the cultural and economic importance of this resource in the country. The companies that have led this growth are recognized for their quality and tradition in the textile industry. Michell y Cía. S.A., Inca Tops S.A., and Clasificadora de Lanas Macedo S.A.C., among others, have played a significant role in the export of alpaca fiber, contributing substantially to this increase. Carlos Penny-Bidegaray, president of the Textile Committee of Adex, emphasized the importance of carrying out the National Census of Peruvian Camelids, a measure that will be coordinated with the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation and various state entities. A notable aspect of the report is that 47.4% of exports corresponded to value-added products, totaling US$42,197,000. This segment has shown a growth of 20% compared to the previous year, indicating a positive trend in the production of more sophisticated items. Since 2020, this type of shipment has recorded an average annual increase of 23.5%, suggesting sustainable evolution in this area. Yarns, valued at US$23,762,000, emerged as the most significant product, showing a 16.7% increase in demand. Additionally, knitted garments and home textiles also played an important role in this dynamic, reflecting the diversity of products that Peru can offer to the international market. This growth not only benefits producers but also represents an opportunity to position the country as a reference in the textile sector globally. On the other hand, the report details that raw material exports reached US$46,805,000 in the first five months of the year. This segment grew by 46.5% compared to the previous year, making a significant contribution to total exports. Tops, which are bundles of fiber, ranked first in this area, standing out with US$41,807,000 in shipments. Regionally, Arequipa emerged as the leading exporter of alpaca fiber, with a total of US$74,304,000. Lima and Puno also contributed significantly, albeit with lower amounts. This regional leadership underscores the importance of certain areas in the development of the industry, as well as the need to encourage growth in other producing regions. The international market has also shown receptiveness to Peruvian products. China stands out as the main destination for alpaca exports, totaling US$29,428,000. The United States and Italy follow, accounting for 69% of the total exports of processed alpaca products. This interest in Peruvian products in such competitive markets is a positive sign for the future of the sector. However, amid these encouraging figures, the president of the Textile Committee called for action, highlighting the urgency of conducting the camelid census to gather updated information that will allow for better planning and development of the industry. Coordination between the private sector and authorities is essential to ensure the sustained growth of this important source of income. In summary, the export figures for alpaca fiber and its derivatives reflect Peru's potential in the international textile market. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, the country can not only strengthen its position as a leader in the export of these products but also contribute to regional development and the well-being of producing communities. As strategic measures are implemented, the future looks promising for alpaca fiber and the Peruvian textile sector as a whole.