“Traditional” products, according to the survey, include minerals, petroleum, natural gas, and produce.

Promperu, an agency that promotes exports and tourism in Peru recently compiled export data to the U.S. with Utah importing 22 percent (number two overall importer) of goods sent from the South American country, slightly behind Florida with 23 percent.

“This isn’t surprising news,” Honorary Consul to Peru in Utah David Utrilla was quoted as saying on website utahpulse.com. “Ties between Peru and Utah have been growing exponentially in the last few years and I believe it’s only going to continue.”

According to the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, imports from Peru to Utah increased from $360 million in 2010 to $476 million in 2011 - an increase of 32.3 percent.
"Between the Peruvians living in Utah and Utah residents who have visited and volunteered in Peru, there is a strong, solid connection that is already evidenced in both the growth of imports and exports and we will continue to build on this positive relationship" shared Lew Cramer, President & CEO, World Trade Center Utah.

Total imports from Peru to the U.S. in 2010 equaled $5.2 billion.

Utah continues to lead the nation in doubling exports in the last five years. In 2011 Utah shipped $18.9 billion in merchandise exports to international markets.

(END) INT/EEP