Demand for courier services in Peru increases with free trade agreements

The Peruvian air courier service market may increase by 10percent this year with the higher demand for package services (samples) due to the next free trade agreements (Mercosur and US), according to TNT International Express. The courier sector involves two specific products: papers (documents, CDS, diskettes) and packages or samples (finished products with value added). Currently, there are eight companies operating in the country and moving USD1.5mil per month. Companies account for 90percent of the demand for courier services while individuals account for 10percent. TNT has increased by 18percent in the first half of 2004 (Jan-Jun) in comparison with the same period of 2003, and the goal is to end the year with a growth of 19percent and a market share of 22percent.