While media and political attention in Peru focused on China's investment in the Port of Chancay, the United States made a quieter but equally strategic move to consolidate its presence in the Peruvian port system, centered on the port of Paita.

The rapprochement was formalized in November 2024, when the Port of Hueneme, located in California, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with its Peruvian counterpart. The agreement aims to boost Peruvian agricultural exports and create a direct logistics route to the US West Coast, with benefits for both countries.

"We are building more than a logistics agreement. We are creating an alternative route with strategic value for both countries," he told Managerial Accounting, Kristin Decas, CEO of the Port of HuenemeAccording to the executive, this first step sought to consolidate a long-term relationship between both terminals.

Mutual benefit

Hueneme, one of the leading ports specializing in agricultural products in the U.S., sees Paita as a key platform for diversifying import routes and reducing dependence on traditional channels. At the same time, the alliance would allow Peruvian exporters access to an efficient and specialized logistics hub with connections to the North American market.

Eduardo Cerdeira, CEO of TPE Paita, highlighted Managerial Accounting the role the terminal can play in the new regional logistics map. "Operations are concentrated in Callao, but Paita is the leader in agricultural exports," he indicated. "Today we talk a lot about investment in Chancay, in large ports, but the solution to decentralization and congestion in the capital lies in this partnership," he added.

The agreement with Hueneme thus emerges as a complementary strategy to the large port projects underway. It's not about competing directly with Chancay or Callao, but rather about building a more distributed system that leverages the logistical advantages of regional ports like Paita. "The investment in Chancay is important, but we also need solutions for decentralization and decongestion of the Peruvian port system," Cerdeira emphasized.

Geopolitical component

In addition to its commercial impact, the alliance also has a geopolitical component. In a context where Chinese influence in logistics infrastructure has grown rapidly in Latin America, the United States is seeking to regain ground through public-private partnerships that strengthen its presence in regional trade. The link between Hueneme and Paita could be the first step in a broader cooperation strategy with other ports in Peru and Latin America.

According to Kristin Decas, this agreement is considered a pilot project, with the potential to be replicated elsewhere on the continent. “We want to build a port network that promotes efficiency, sustainability, and regional integration. This alliance is a first model that we hope to scale,” she stated.

Why Paita?

The choice of Paita is no coincidence. Located in a strategic area close to agricultural production hubs, and with export experience in products such as mangoes, bananas, and avocados, the port offers competitive advantages that could be enhanced with investments in infrastructure, digitalization, and logistics services. The direct connection with Hueneme would reduce transit times and improve cargo traceability.

Although the MoU is still in its initial stages, both parties agree that the benefits will be seen in the short term. Strengthening this route would allow Peru to diversify its export destinations, reduce its dependence on large logistics hubs in Lima, and position itself as a strategic node within the global supply chain.

With this alliance, the U.S. also sends a clear signal of its renewed interest in the logistics development of the South Pacific, investing in regional ports and cooperation models that can redefine maritime trade in Latin America.