China-Peru Trade Enters "High-Speed Growth" Era

According to industry sources, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is launching a weekly direct service, shipping goods from China’s Ningbo Port to Callao Port (near Lima, Peru’s capital). Last year, China COSCO Shipping Group invested in the development and construction of Chancay Port, followed by the launch of a similar direct route with weekly sailings from Chancay Port to Shanghai.

MSC is a global leader in container shipping, while China COSCO Shipping ranks fourth. Currently, the two routes complement each other: one arrives in China in 21 days, and the other in Peru in 23 days. China is Peru’s largest trading partner and the main buyer of Peru’s top export—copper. Peru imports a wide range of Chinese goods, from textiles and electronics to automobiles.

"Traditionally, goods imported from China first arrive at large markets like Mexico, then travel south through Central America, Panama, and Colombia, reaching Peru after 40 to 45 days," said Fernando Fauche, Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals Callao, which operates part of Peru’s port operations.

Shortening transportation time between China and Peru is Chancay Port’s main selling point. However, MSC’s new route shows that Chancay Port’s impact is more extensive, forcing other ports to seek ways to accelerate trade links between the two countries—a move long considered unprofitable due to Peru’s relatively small market size.

Callao Port and Chancay Port are only about 50 miles apart, a few hours’ drive by truck, and both are close to Lima.

"MSC has decided the time is right to launch a direct route from Asia," said Gonzalo Santillana, Managing Director of MSC Peru, adding that the company has deployed 14 ships. "We believe the market will respond appropriately, as we have seen great enthusiasm and the ships are indeed fully loaded."

Santillana noted that after unloading at Callao Port, the ships currently sail to Chile to load cherries for shipment to Asia, as the cherry harvest season begins in the coming weeks. However, he hopes that once the season ends, MSC will launch a direct route from Callao Port to serve Peruvian exporters—especially fruit producers, who will benefit from faster routes that extend fruit freshness.