Employment growth in Peru due to exports reaches 1.7 million in 2024.

The Center for Research on Global Economy and Business of the Exporters Association (CIEN-ADEX) has published a report revealing significant growth in jobs generated by Peruvian exports during the first half of 2024. A total of 1 million 732 thousand jobs were created, including direct, indirect, and induced jobs, representing a 4.6% increase compared to the same period last year. This figure is considered a positive indicator of the performance of the Peruvian economy in an uncertain global context. The CIEN-ADEX report, titled "Impact of Exports: Employment and GDP," highlights that the non-traditional sector was responsible for creating the most jobs, reaching 1 million 047 thousand jobs, despite experiencing a slight decline of 1.4%. In contrast, the traditional sector achieved a notable increase of 15.4%, generating 685 thousand jobs. This dynamic suggests a diversification in the employment structure in the country, driven by the growing demand for exportable products in international markets. Among the sectors that set historical records are agro-industry and mining, which generated 696,215 and 516,846 jobs, respectively. The agro-industry has been the main engine, representing 40.2% of the jobs created, thanks to the increasing demand for superfoods such as blueberries, avocados, grapes, asparagus, and mangoes. This boom in the agro-industrial sector not only reflects Peru's potential as a supplier of high-quality food but also underscores the importance of sustainability in agricultural production. Exports to Asia have been a key factor in job growth in Peru, contributing 535,278 jobs, which accounts for 30.9% of the total. North America and Europe also played important roles, adding 508,851 and 401,878 jobs, respectively. The diversification of markets demonstrates Peru's ability to adapt to global demands and highlight its products in different regions of the world. However, the report also presents an uneven landscape in the country. While the Andean, Amazon, and Lima and Callao regions saw growth in jobs linked to the export sector, the Coast experienced a decrease of 4.1%. This region, which accounts for 52% of the total jobs generated by exports, faces challenges that could limit its recovery capacity in the future. At the regional level, Puno, Loreto, and Cajamarca saw the most significant employment generation growth, with increases of 134.5%, 105.2%, and 64.6%, respectively. In contrast, regions such as Piura, Lambayeque, and Tumbes recorded significant declines in job creation, raising questions about the economic future of these areas that depend on exports. The report also reveals that in June 2024, exports helped create 316,591 jobs, an 18.5% increase compared to June 2023. This particular month was highlighted by the strong performance of both the traditional and non-traditional sectors, suggesting a continued recovery in the export sector and its positive impact on the labor market. The sectors that showed the most notable growth in June included primary fishing, with an astonishing 1,347.2%, and agriculture, which grew by 36.5%. However, not all sectors were favored; non-metallic mining and aquaculture fishing experienced significant declines, reflecting volatility in some areas of the export economy. In conclusion, the growth of jobs generated by exports in Peru during the first half of 2024 presents a mixed picture. While there are signs of strength in the agro-industrial sector and an increase in market diversification, there are also significant challenges that need to be addressed to ensure balanced and sustainable growth. Looking to the future, it will be crucial for economic policymakers to work on strengthening declining sectors and seizing the opportunities that continue to emerge in the global landscape.