Peruvian Economy I: Reflections Through Starlink, Tesla, and Peru's GDP
In recent years, we have witnessed a rapid technological globalization that has reshaped our understanding of national economies. Two recent events reflect this phenomenon in a spectacular way: on one hand, the impact of global connectivity through Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite internet project; and on the other, the extraordinary valuation of Tesla, the electric vehicle company, whose market capitalization has reached astronomical figures.
While we oppose Musk's interference in U.S. foreign policy, we cannot help but admire his strategic vision as an entrepreneur. Both of his projects prompt us to reflect on how major technological innovations interact with local economies, such as that of Peru.
Starlink: Connecting Peru from Space
Starlink, SpaceX's initiative to provide high-speed internet globally via a network of satellites, is beginning to expand throughout Latin America, and Peru is no exception. With a vast territory and isolated regions, internet access in the country has historically been uneven. While major cities have the infrastructure to access quality internet services, many rural areas still depend on expensive or unreliable solutions.
Starlink promises to change this reality by bringing connectivity to remote areas in the Andes, the Amazon, and other difficult-to-access locations. This initiative has the potential not only to improve job opportunities but also to enhance education and access to healthcare, commerce, and security services. In a country where digital divides are a significant barrier—especially due to high costs—to development, Starlink could open new possibilities for thousands of Peruvians still disconnected from the digital world.
Improved connectivity could transform key sectors of the economy, from tourism to e-commerce.
Tesla: Quantifying the Value of Tech Companies in the Peruvian Context
Market capitalization gives us an interesting perspective on the scale of tech companies in the global economy. As of early 2025, Tesla's market value had reached $1.2 trillion. Elon Musk, the man behind this automotive and energy revolution, owns about 13% of Tesla's shares, which is roughly equivalent to $150 billion. This figure is astonishing, but what stands out even more is how it compares to the Gross National Product (GNP) of countries like Peru.
In 2023, Peru's GNP was estimated at around $550 billion in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP). This means that Musk's stake in Tesla is nearly 30% of Peru's GNP. A deeper analysis reveals how one individual, through his companies, can accumulate an amount of economic value that surpasses the size of many national economies.
Implications for the Peruvian Economy
This phenomenon highlights the differences between the economies of emerging countries, like Peru, and economies dominated by large tech corporations. While Peru's GNP primarily comes from sectors like mining, agriculture, and services, large tech corporations have a market value that is not only measured by tangible production but also by intellectual capital, innovation, and global access to products and services.
The comparison between the value of Tesla and Peru’s GNP also underscores a significant disparity in the capacity for innovation and investment attraction. Companies like Tesla and SpaceX not only lead in market terms but also set the pace for the future of energy, mobility, and technology. Peru has an opportunity to harness this phenomenon to reshape its own economic future.
