As Peru prepares for the first round of its presidential election on Sunday, the United States is stepping up efforts to strengthen its influence in the key copper-producing nation, which has increasingly become a strategic partner for China, according to officials and business leaders.
The diplomatic push, led by newly appointed U.S. Ambassador Bernie Navarro, reflects a shift in Washington’s approach after a decade in which China surpassed the United States as Peru’s largest trading partner, particularly in mining and infrastructure sectors.
With more than 30 candidates competing and no clear frontrunner, the election presents Washington with an opportunity to rebuild ties while seeking to secure access to critical minerals and counter China’s expanding footprint in South America.
“The relationship with the U.S. is really strengthening,” said Felipe James, head of Peru’s manufacturing industry chamber, who met Navarro in February to establish a working group aimed at boosting trade and investment.
In January, the White House designated Peru a major non-NATO ally, a move expected to deepen defence cooperation and expand access to security and trade programs. The following day, the U.S. State Department approved equipment to help modernise a naval base near the port of Callao.
Peruvian officials also joined U.S. President Donald Trump and regional allies in Florida last month to launch a coalition targeting Latin American drug cartels. Meanwhile, U.S. defence giant Lockheed Martin is competing with European firms to supply fighter jets to Peru.
A State Department spokesperson said Navarro’s engagement reflects Trump’s commitment to strengthening the bilateral partnership on economic growth and security cooperation.
Peru is the world’s third-largest copper producer and a major supplier of minerals essential for semiconductors, defence systems, and renewable energy technologies. Trade with China reached a record $50 billion last year, far surpassing the roughly $19 billion in trade with the United States.
Rather than focusing on trade volume, Washington has been emphasising transparency, legal stability, and the reliability of U.S. firms operating in Peru, according to executives.
“He has clearly called for legal certainty and stronger public security to attract investment,” said Julia Torreblanca, head of Peru’s mining and energy association SNMPE.
Ambassador Navarro has also warned that Peru’s political instability—having seen eight presidents since 2018—poses risks to long-term investment.
“The United States will never interfere in Peruvians’ right to self-determination, but stability is needed,” he told local media.
Analysts say chronic political volatility has helped China expand its economic presence in the country.
“There’s a correlation between those last ten years of political instability and more Chinese investments being able to trickle into Peru,” said Martin Cassinelli of the Atlantic Council.
Peru has positioned itself as a gateway for Chinese trade in South America. The Chinese-built Chancay megaport, operated by Cosco Shipping, has reduced shipping times to Asia and is emerging as a logistics hub for regional exports. However, it has raised concerns in Washington over strategic infrastructure control.
Former U.S. Southern Command chief General Laura Richardson has warned the port could serve as a “gateway” for Chinese military and intelligence activity in the region.
While Peru has attempted to strengthen regulatory oversight, a court recently ruled in favour of Cosco’s claim that the port is a private investment, a decision now under appeal.
Despite Washington’s renewed engagement, experts say China’s economic presence will be difficult to dislodge.
“China is not leaving,” said Margaret Myers of the Inter-American Dialogue, adding that U.S. efforts are likely to focus on national security priorities rather than replacing Chinese trade dominance.
The outcome of Sunday’s election is expected to shape the direction of Peru’s foreign policy. With all major candidates polling below 15%, a runoff vote in June appears almost certain.
Right-leaning candidate Keiko Fujimori, educated in the United States, has positioned herself as a more reliable partner for Washington, while conservative contender Carlos Alvarez has emphasised both U.S. engagement and the importance of Chinese investment.
“They say: do you want a gringo hamburger or some chifa?” Alvarez said, referring to Chinese-Peruvian cuisine, adding that he personally prefers fried guinea pig, a local delicacy.