There are some 800 plastics processing companies in Peru employing over 20,000 people. In 2009, imports of plastics and rubber processing machinery dropped to 65 million US$ from the more than 100 million in 2008. As in recent years, of the total value of imports, 21% derives from extruders and 11% from blow moulding machines. It confirms the growing demand for packaging items - mainly film and bottles, including biodegradable products - in light of the considerable local production and export of fresh and tinned foodstuffs (fish in particular). The expected growth for this sector in 2010 is 3%, sustaining the investment in new machinery. In 2009, Peru imported one third of its extruders and over 50% of its blow moulding machines from Italy, which thus ranks first, well ahead of its competitors, among the main suppliers of this South American country.