Peru’s public port traffic rises more than 6% in first half of 2026
Peru’s public port terminals handled more than 35 million metric tonnes of cargo between January and June 2026, representing year-on-year growth of over 6%. Containerised cargo accounted for more than 53% of total national port traffic, underlining the growing weight of container operations in the country’s maritime trade.
Publicly owned port infrastructure has solidified its position as a driving force for national foreign trade. Between January and June of this year, the country’s main port terminals handled a total of 35.1 million metric tons of cargo, 6.5% more than during the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC), through the National Port Authority (APN).
This half-year performance reflects a clear predominance of containerized trade and bulk shipments associated with sectors strategic to the national economy. Specifically, containerized general cargo led port traffic, accounting for 53.6% of the total volume, equivalent to 18.8 million metric tons. This was followed by solid bulk cargo, with a 17.8% share (6.2 million metric tons), and bulk minerals, which represented 17.3% of operations (6 million metric tons), solidifying their role as a key support for mining activity.
The operational dynamism of the period was driven by the main logistics hubs on the central and southern coast of the country. During the first half of the year, the Callao South Zone Terminal, operated by DP World Callao, led in cargo handling with 11 million metric tons, followed by the Callao Multipurpose Port Terminal, operated by APM Terminals Callao, with 9.4 million metric tons.
COSCO Shipping Holdings
Meanwhile, the Port Terminal of Matarani, operated by Tisur, solidified its position as the main export point in southern Peru, handling 4 million metric tons. Rounding out the list of significant ports are the Chancay Multipurpose Port Terminal (Cosco Shipping) and the General San Martín Terminal (Port of Paracas), with accumulated throughputs of 2.8 and 2.1 million metric tons, respectively; and the Port Terminal of Paita with 1.6 million metric tons.
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