1. Port Overview
The Port of Callao is located in Callao, Peru, approximately 15 km west of Lima, bordering the Pacific Ocean. It is the largest and busiest port in Peru and one of the most important trade gateways on the west coast of South America. Callao handles about 85% of Peru's container cargo throughput and serves as the maritime gateway for the Lima metropolitan area, the economic heart of Peru. Peru is one of the fastest-growing economies in South America and an important trade partner of China in Latin America.
Bofeng Logistics provides end-to-end logistics services via the Port of Callao to all of Peru and the West Coast of South America.
2. Port Scale and Facilities
The Port of Callao consists of the South Terminal (Terminal Sur) operated by DP World and the North Terminal (Terminal Norte) operated by APM Terminals. The port has a water depth of approximately 14–16 meters and an annual container throughput of about 2.5 million TEUs. The South Terminal is a modern deep-water container terminal capable of berthing ultra-large container vessels. Peru is advancing the Chancay deep-water port project, which will further enhance the country's port capacity in the future.
3. Main Routes from China
| Port of Origin | Estimated Transit Time | Common Shipping Lines |
|---|---|---|
| Guangzhou Port | 25–30 days | COSCO, MSC |
| Shenzhen Port | 27–33 days | MAERSK, CMA CGM |
| Shanghai Port | 28–35 days | COSCO, MSC |
The West Coast of South America route runs directly across the Pacific.
4. China-Peru Trade and Logistics Key Points
China is Peru's largest trading partner and largest export market. Peru is the only South American country that has signed a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China. Main imports from China: mechanical and electrical products, textiles, consumer goods, building materials, and chemicals. Peru exports to China: copper ore, zinc ore, lead ore, fishmeal, and agricultural products (blueberries, avocados, grapes, etc.).
Bofeng Logistics Insights: The China-Peru FTA grants tariff preferences on a wide range of Chinese goods entering Peru, making it a favorable gateway for Chinese products into South America. Peru's import customs clearance efficiency is moderate compared to other South American countries. Congestion at Callao is generally manageable, with berthing waits of 1–3 days. Options for shipping lines on the West Coast of South America are limited; it is recommended to confirm space 2–3 weeks in advance.
5. Shipping Considerations
Common Questions
Q: What is the congestion situation at the Port of Callao? A: Congestion at Callao is moderate among West Coast South American ports, with berthing waits of 1–3 days during peak seasons. There are slight differences in efficiency between the North Terminal (operated by APM Terminals) and the South Terminal (operated by DP World). Once the Chancay port project is operational, it will further relieve pressure on Callao.
Q: Are there any special requirements for importing into Peru? A: ① Food products require sanitary registration with DIGESA (Peru's health authority); ② Electronic products need MTC certification; ③ Chemical products require an MSDS. Under the China-Peru FTA, many goods benefit from tariff reductions; it is advisable to verify the corresponding tariff preference rate for the HS code before shipping.
6. Bofeng Logistics Services
- Full Container Load (FCL): 20GP, 40GP, 40HQ
- Less than Container Load (LCL): Guangzhou/Shenzhen → Callao consolidation
- Customs Brokerage and Clearance: China export + Peru import clearance consultation
- Peru Inland Distribution: Callao → Lima/Arequipa/Cusco and other locations
📍 Feel free to contact us for real-time freight rates.
Related Port: Valparaíso Port (two major ports on the West Coast of South America, linking north and south)