Revealed Comparative Advantage of the Main Fresh or Refrigerated Vegetables Exported by Peru During the 2019–2023 Period

Abstract

The study aimed to analyze the competitiveness of Peruvian exports of fresh and refrigerated vegetables during the period 2019–2023, evaluating their revealed comparative advantage (RCA) using the normalized Balassa index. The selected products included asparagus, onions, peas, tomatoes, and zucchinis, with data sourced from official records. The results indicated that Peru maintained a strong and consistent comparative advantage in key markets such as the United States and Spain, particularly for asparagus and onions. Meanwhile, other products, such as tomatoes and peas, showed significant market segmentation, with Chile and the United Kingdom identified as their primary destinations, respectively. However, persistent barriers were identified for zucchinis in the United Arab Emirates and Switzerland. Overall, the concentration of exports in traditional markets and volatility in emerging markets underscored challenges related to diversification. Strengthening value chains, developing targeted trade promotion strategies, and prioritizing investments in international certifications are recommended to enhance the competitiveness of Peruvian vegetable exports.