AGP Executive Report

Inca Trail tragedy: An Australian police sergeant, Matthew Cameron Paton (52), has died in Peru after falling about 400–500 metres into a ravine near the “50 Gradas” section, with reports saying he fell after a broken railing gave way during the hike to Machu Picchu. Peru politics: Peru’s presidential runoff is set between Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez, with coverage stressing how the first round was shaped by deep institutional and political turmoil. Economy watch: Peru’s current account posted a 4.3% of GDP surplus and logged three favorable years, while April mobile data speeds rose to an average 12.8 Mbps on 4G. Trade & food: Peru’s grape exports hit a record 86.4 million boxes in 2025/26, even as global shipping delays and “cold chain” pressure threaten berries and table grapes. Sports link to Peru: Indiana basketball is heading to Peru for the FISU America Games, adding more practice time ahead of the trip.

Machu Picchu Tragedy: A Victorian police sergeant, Matt Paton (52), was identified as the man who died after falling into a ravine on Peru’s Inca Trail near the “50 Gradas” area, with authorities saying he likely tripped while crossing a wooden bridge and a railing gave way; a rescue team recovered his body and an investigation is underway. Climate Watch: Reports say a potentially strong “El Niño” is forming, with scientists urging preparation for possible extreme weather even as forecasts remain uncertain. Culture & Diplomacy: The International Union of Architects and UN-Habitat named UIA 2030 Award winners, while Peru’s Ronald Companoca opened a solo exhibition at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Azerbaijan. Global Business in Peru: Coverage highlights China’s growing footprint in Peru, with more than 200 Chinese firms operating or investing across mining, energy, infrastructure and tech. Sports Link to Peru: Indiana basketball is set to travel to Peru for the FISU America Games in late July, adding a rare international training boost.

Peru Election Fallout: Peru’s presidential runoff is set for June 7, with the electoral board confirming the two candidates—Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez—after a campaign marked by tight polling and calls to fix “voting flaws” ahead of the vote. Defense Politics: Peru is moving ahead with a $3.42B U.S. F-16 purchase, but the dispute is framed as a test of political trust and continuity, not just aircraft capability. Security & Justice: Peru’s “Justice of Peru” is reviewing appeals tied to the archived trial against Keiko Fujimori, keeping legal pressure on the election cycle. Tech & Access: Peru’s internet access keeps climbing—Osiptel data cited internet in 96% of homes in 2025, up from 76.2% in 2019. Disaster Response: Authorities are also responding to recent earthquakes in Peru, including a 5.8 quake that injured dozens and damaged buildings.

Peru Judiciary: Peru’s Justice will review on May 28 appeals tied to the definitive dismissal of the money-laundering trial against Keiko Fujimori, after earlier moves to archive parts of the case—setting up a key telematic hearing where prosecutors, the state’s legal team, and her ex-husband Mark Vito Villanella will argue. Crypto Disruption: Binance says it will temporarily suspend Ethereum deposits and withdrawals on May 21 for a wallet maintenance upgrade, expected to last about an hour while trading stays open. Elections Fallout: Peru’s runoff is already locked in after Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez advanced, with the campaign now focused on two sharply different visions for the country. Trade & Industry: Peru’s economy continues to show momentum in external accounts, with recent reporting highlighting strong trade performance and ongoing policy moves. Ports Electrification: A new electrification pilot at Callao, Peru, is part of a global framework deal to expand DC fast-charging across APM Terminals’ network.

Peru Politics: A new Ipsos Peru poll puts right-wing Keiko Fujimori slightly ahead of leftist Roberto Sánchez in the June 7 runoff—39% vs 35%—with a big 26% share saying they won’t back either candidate or will cast a blank vote. Earthquake Response: Peru’s latest quake—magnitude 5.8 near Ica—left 27 injured and damaged buildings, with officials visiting affected areas. Security Cooperation: Chile has called a “Secure Border” summit on May 28, inviting Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Ecuador to coordinate against organized crime and border threats. Diplomacy: President Zelenskyy accepted credentials from Peru’s ambassador, discussing restoring high-level communication and bilateral cooperation. Economy & Trade: Peru’s international reserves reportedly total about US$97 billion at end of the first four months of 2026. Business/Tech: ReLeaf Financial and Inspira Te ilumina launched a secure digital rewards pilot for 150,000+ users in Peru.

Earthquake Update: A 5.8-magnitude earthquake hit southern Peru’s Pacific region late Tuesday, injuring 27 people and damaging buildings, with officials reporting no deaths; the epicenter was near Pampa de Tate in Ica. Aftershocks in Focus: Earlier reports this week also flagged strong quakes off Peru’s coast (around 5.9), keeping seismic monitoring front and center. Politics & Runoff: Peru’s presidential runoff is set for June 7, with electoral authorities pushing to fix voting “flaws” ahead of the final showdown between Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez. Security & Industry: Peru’s military is also moving ahead—Peru ordered additional C-27J Spartan aircraft from Leonardo—while regional coverage highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen mobility and preparedness. Digital Trade: A new ranking puts Peru among countries with 12 digital trade agreements, showing the push to set rules for online commerce.

Peru Runoff Politics: Keiko Fujimori is heading into the June 7 presidential runoff leaning harder on her father Alberto Fujimori’s legacy, promising a “frontal war” against crime and extortion as she courts voters worried about spiraling violence. Electoral Process: Peru’s electoral authority is pushing for a prime-time debate on May 31 and says the April 12 vote will be audited with a mixed expert committee. Border & Security: In a separate crackdown, U.S. authorities charged an Oklahoma truck driver after finding 42 people—including Peruvians—locked inside a sealed trailer with meth onboard. Archaeology Shock: Peru’s “Band of Holes” in the Pisco Valley is back in the spotlight, with new research suggesting the 5,000 pits may have functioned as an ancient accounting system. Culture Returns Home: Peru says it has repatriated 281 U.S.-held cultural assets, including colonial religious works and artifacts from multiple pre-Hispanic civilizations. Regional Discovery: In Amazonas, workers uncovered a carved Chachapoyas stone lintel during road conservation work.

Peru Election Shockwave: Leftist presidential candidate Roberto Sánchez named former economy minister Pedro Francke to lead his economic plan, signaling a push for contract reviews in mining, a 33% minimum-wage jump, and a constitution redraft ahead of the June 7 runoff against Keiko Fujimori—moves that have already rattled markets. Conservation Tech: Peru’s Congress ratified an AI-backed law to help protect vicuñas from poaching, boosting surveillance and penalties in the Andes. Trade Watch: Peru and Thailand said they’re optimistic about accelerating talks on a Thailand–Peru free trade agreement, aiming to sign this year. Health & Rights Spotlight: A separate story outside Peru—ICE detention conditions—kept attention on alleged abuse and neglect, with lawmakers visiting a facility after reports of spoiled food and infestations. Background: The runoff race remains the week’s dominant Peru thread, with voting logistics and legal challenges still shaping the timeline.

Peru Run-Off Locked In: Peru’s electoral board has confirmed the June 7 presidential run-off, with Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez officially advancing after the first round—setting up a high-stakes rematch that follows delays and complaints about how voting was handled. APEC Push: At APEC SOM2 in Shanghai, Peru’s delegates joined others calling for stronger AI cooperation and trade resilience as uncertainty grows. Bolivia Spillover: The U.S. backed President Rodrigo Paz as Bolivia’s protests and road blockades drag on into a third week, with shortages reported and authorities warning of “armed groups” in a march toward La Paz. Regional Watch: Peru’s broader political risk chatter continues as observers track how the country manages instability while elections approach.

Runoff Confirmed: Peru’s electoral board has officially confirmed the June 7 presidential runoff, with Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez set to face off after the April 12 vote was delayed and then rechecked. The JNE says the first round suffered logistical “flaws” and extended voting in parts of Lima, but observers found no fraud—so the board is now promising fixes and a new committee of national and international experts to oversee the second round. Political Stakes: Fujimori led with 17.19% and Sánchez followed with 12.03%, meaning both will need coalition-building since most voters backed other candidates. Security Update: In Caraga, the Philippine Army says an NPA network structure in Mindanao has collapsed after the surrender of guerrillas and recovery of firearms. Volcano Watch: Peru’s Sabancaya volcano is still sending light ash plumes up to about 25,000 ft, with advisories warning aviation to stay alert.

Peru Runoff Confirmed: Peru’s electoral authorities have officially proclaimed that Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez will face each other in the June 7 presidential runoff, ending weeks of uncertainty after April’s vote results were delayed by about a month; the JNE also admitted “flaws” in ONPE’s logistics and promised fixes, including a new committee of national and international experts to oversee the second round. US-Mexico Border Clash: Indigenous leaders say U.S. border wall construction is desecrating sacred Native American sites, pointing to blasting and bulldozing on Kuuchamaa Mountain despite claims that illegal crossings have hit historic lows. Regional Security Pressure: In Peru’s wider neighborhood, Bolivia deployed thousands of troops around La Paz to break road blockades amid a deepening economic crisis. Culture & Exchange: A major Peru-and-Mexico themed Maya-Andean exhibition opened in Beijing, highlighting how museums are being used to link histories across borders.

Global Economy Watch: G7 finance chiefs and major European indicators are set to weigh how the Iran war is reshaping growth, inflation pressure, and supply snarls ahead of June monetary decisions. Peru Education & Links: UW–Oshkosh is formalizing an exploratory partnership with Universidad Católica de Santa María in Arequipa, aiming for faculty and student exchanges and joint health research. Regional Politics Spillover: Bolivia’s unrest flared again, with 57 detained in clashes tied to fuel shortages and economic anger—while Peru and other neighbors signaled concern over violence. Peru in the Spotlight Abroad: Peru’s Sabancay volcano remains under monitoring as regional volcanic updates continue. Community & Safety: A Dover teen’s death after being struck by a train has renewed calls in the region for stronger trackside safety measures. Sports (Peru-linked): Peru’s Roca Rey made a big comeback in Spain’s Feria del Caballo, drawing major attention after injury.

Peru Runoff Politics: Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez have advanced to Peru’s June 7 presidential runoff, after Peru’s April 12 vote finished with 100% counted; the election was marred by logistics problems that delayed voting for many Peruvians abroad, but authorities extended voting to cover thousands in Lima and overseas. Legal Pressure on Democracy: Peru prosecutors are also seeking prison time for leftist candidate Sánchez, keeping the spotlight on alleged financial crimes and fresh concerns about democratic stability. Volcano Watch (Peru): Peru’s Sabancaya volcano is under an aviation alert after a weak ash emission was reported, with the plume drifting northeast—an update that matters for flights in the region. Food Economy Context: A new look at Peru’s culinary boom says the ecosystem behind it—farmers, chefs, and foragers—is under strain, even as gastronomy keeps driving tourism and global attention.

Peru Runoff Locked In: Peru’s election count is finalized and the June 7 presidential runoff is set: right-wing Keiko Fujimori leads with 17.18% while leftist Roberto Sánchez follows at 12.03%, after a long, delayed vote tally that hinged on results from rural and highland regions. Campaign Stakes: Sánchez is pushing a new constitution and a “plurinational” state, while Fujimori frames her bid around security and her father’s legacy. Food Pressure at Home: Peru’s culinary boom is under strain, with reporting highlighting how the Sacred Valley’s farming ecosystem—potato growers like Manuel Choqque—faces mounting limits as demand for top-tier ingredients rises. Regional Context: Bolivia’s unrest continues despite a government deal with miners, with blockades still disrupting access to La Paz. Also Noted: Peru’s ALDI store is set to close May 31.

Peru Runoff Locked In: Peru’s election count is finally settled: Keiko Fujimori (17.18%) and leftist Roberto Sánchez (12.03%) will face off in a June 7 presidential runoff after no candidate won a majority. Constitution Debate Heats Up: Sánchez, a congressman pushing a major state overhaul and a new “plurinational” constitution, narrowly edged Rafael López Aliaga for second place as rural vote tallies swung late. Electoral Tensions: The long, delayed count triggered fraud allegations and even the resignation of the top electoral official, though EU observers reported no concrete fraud. Economy & Security Stakes: Both finalists are campaigning on crime and Peru’s mining-linked economy, with Fujimori leaning pro-market and Sánchez promising deeper reforms. El Niño Watch: Separately, NOAA says El Niño odds remain high, with Peru and the region watching for climate impacts.

Elections Under Pressure: Peru’s democracy is back in the spotlight after prosecutors moved to seek a prison term for presidential candidate Roberto Sánchez over alleged campaign-donation irregularities, raising fresh fears of election interference as the runoff race tightens. Central Bank Watch: The BCR kept Peru’s benchmark rate at 4.25% for the eighth straight meeting, saying inflation should fall toward about 2% in 2027 as temporary supply shocks fade, even as global risks stay high. Food & Culture: Peru’s potato culture is getting a moment in the sun again, with guides spotlighting classics like papas a la huancaina and causa rellena. Climate & Health Angle: A new study presented at AACR links higher conventional produce intake to lung cancer in young non-smokers, pointing to possible environmental risks tied to farming practices. Mining & Jobs: Peru’s mining story continues to draw attention, including fresh exploration and development chatter tied to critical minerals demand.