Peru’s Chinese-built megaport set to open

The $3.5 billion Chancay port is expected to become a major hub for trade between South America and Asia, challenging U.S. influence in a resource-rich region that Washington long considered its backyard

Chinese President Xi Jinping to inaugurate port during Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Nov 13-15

CHANCAY PORT

Largest deep water port in South America – at 17.8 metres – and capable of accommodating world’s largest container ships

Expected to handle up to one million TEU* annually

SHIPPING ROUTE TO SHANGHAI

Chancay – part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative – will cut journey time by two weeks for some exporters

Chinese state-owned firm COSCO Shipping owns 60% stake, with 40% held by Peruvian miner Volcan

Southern Interoceanic Highway
Chancay port
500 miles
800km
Buenos Aires
São Paulo
VENEZUELA
GUYANA
SURINAME
URUGUAY
PERU
BOLIVIA
BRAZIL
CHILE
COLOMBIA
ECUADOR
ARGENTINA
Pan-American Highway
Lima

PERU BILATERAL TRADE (2022)
Over last decade, China has overtaken U.S. as Peru’s top trade partner

Total trade China $34bn
Total trade U.S $28bn

*Number of containers measured in twenty-foot equivalent units Countries part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative

Sources: Reuters, UN Comtrade, Peruvian Ministry of Commerce
Pictures: Getty Images, Government of Peru
© GRAPHIC NEWS