Callao Region

Callao operates as Peru's metabolic chokepoint—a single node through which 90% of the nation's containerized trade must flow. The Constitutional Province of Callao is technically distinct from Lima, though the cities have merged into a continuous urban sprawl. This geographic accident created Peru's primary gateway: the Port of Callao handles the bulk of imports and nearly all high-value agricultural exports. In 2024, 85% of Peru's blueberry shipments, 67% of grapes, and 50% of avocados passed through DP World's South Terminal alone, representing $3.6 billion in agricultural exports.

The port's expansion demonstrates infrastructure scaling under competitive pressure. DP World completed a $400 million Bicentennial Pier expansion in June 2024, extending the dock from 650 to 1,050 meters and increasing capacity from 1.5 million to 2.7 million TEUs. The result: 1.96 million TEUs processed in 2024, a 19% increase and 44% growth since 2021. The North Terminal's $95 million Stage 3A modernization added grain silos expanding storage from 25,000 to 85,000 tonnes, making Callao the fastest grain unloading terminal in South America. DP World has invested over $3 billion in Callao since 2010.

Callao's hub-and-spoke function extends beyond trade volumes. The port generated 3,000 direct jobs in 2024 and now runs Latin America's first electric charging station for port vehicles—20 electric trucks supporting a 90% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. As agricultural exports grow and mining concentrates require ship-out, Callao's position as the obligate passage for Peru's economic metabolism only strengthens.