## Company Profile STEAMSHIP - ORGANIZACAO DO TRANSPORTE, LDA. (website: http://www.steamship.pt, contact: sales@steamship.pt) — Portugal‑based freight forwarder. Public profile suggests a full‑service forwarding broker offering ocean, air and road freight, customs clearance and door‑to‑door project/cargo services for Portuguese shippers. Likely focused on shipments moving via Portugal’s three main gateways (Sines, Leixões, Lisbon) and serving exporters to EU neighbours, West Africa, UK and trans‑Atlantic destinations. Scale not publicly published—appears to be an SME forwarder operating in regional Portuguese lanes rather than a global network carrier. ## Pain Points 1) Rising compliance burden for exporters (especially SMEs): EU customs and e‑commerce reforms operational in 2026 (centralised customs data hub, removal of many low‑value duty exemptions from July 2026) increase paperwork, IOSS/VAT complexity and inspection risk for food exporters (canned fish, olive oil, wine). Forwarders will be asked to carry more advisory and filing work. 2) Clients needing market access & trade intelligence: Portuguese agri‑food producers (canned fish, olive oil, wine, cork, berries) are expanding exports into UK, US and Lusophone Africa; many SMEs lack buyer networks and need sourcing/selling support and document/cert handling to convert demand into bookings. 3) Lane volatility & capacity planning: mainline re‑routing (Red Sea/Suez disruptions, carrier rebalancing) and stronger role for Sines as a deep‑sea hub create short windows of opportunity on West Africa and US strings; forwarders must react quickly to lock capacity/quotes and advise clients on the best gateway (Sines vs Leixões vs Lisbon) while avoiding margin erosion and service failures. ## Intel Summary === MULTI-DIMENSION RESEARCH === === 1. MARKET EVENTS: PORTUGAL CONTAINER EXPORT ROUTES & RATES 2026 (SINES, LEIXÕES, LISBON) === **Network role and routes (Europe / West Africa / Americas)** - Sines is confirmed in Portuguese and EU planning documents as Portugal’s **main deep‑sea container transhipment hub**, with weekly direct connections to “the world’s main production and consumption markets” and traffic with **~80 countries and ~200 ports**. It sits on both **East–West and North–South** mainlines (Asia–EU, Americas–EU, West Africa–EU). ([apsinesalgarve.pt](https://www.apsinesalgarve.pt/port-of-sines/the-port/terminals/container-terminal/?utm_source=openai)) - Recent academic / World Bank CPPI work continues to classify **Lisbon as a West Africa‑oriented gateway** and **Leixões as a North Europe general‑cargo/feeder hub**, within the North Europe – West Africa trade corridor network. ([ppp.worldbank.org](https://ppp.worldbank.org/sites/default/files/2026-01/The%20Container%20Port%20Performance%20Index%202020%20to%202024%20-%20Trends%20and%20Lessons%20Learned.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Sines is designated in a 2026 EU “Sustainable Blue Europe” study as both Portugal’s primary transhipment node and a developing **green‑energy/green‑fuels industrial port**, implying future growth in energy‑related containerised and project cargo, and continued mainline connections to **US East Coast, North Europe, Med, and West Africa** services. ([centrodeexcelenciajeanmonnet.unl.pt](https://www.centrodeexcelenciajeanmonnet.unl.pt/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/e-Book_SUSTAINABLE-BLUE-EUROPE_Com-links_vf-PUB.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Recent throughput and trend signals (2024–2025, early 2026)** - **Sines**: - 2024 was “the best year ever” for Sines in containers: **1.9 million TEU**, up **+16% YoY**. ([apsinesalgarve.pt](https://www.apsinesalgarve.pt/en/news/2025/2024-is-the-best-year-ever-for-the-port-of-sines/?utm_source=openai)) - Overall port cargo in 2025 fell **11.9% in tonnage** to **42.15 million tonnes**, reflecting energy cargo weakness; no explicit container TEU figure yet published for 2025, but the share of Sines in national containerised cargo remained above **58%** for Jan–Sep 2024, suggesting containers are more resilient than bulk. ([portseurope.com](https://www.portseurope.com/sines-port-cargo-volumes-fall-11-9-in-2025/?utm_source=openai)) - **Leixões**: - Handled **14.4 million tonnes** in 2024; containers account for “just under half” of tonnage. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leix%C3%B5es?utm_source=openai)) - A March 2026 article notes Leixões was again **cargo leader in the Northwest Iberian region** in 2025, surpassing A Coruña (which dropped 6% YoY), confirming Leixões’ resilience versus some Spanish peers. ([dnoticias.pt](https://www.dnoticias.pt/app/2026/3/18/485238-porto-de-leixoes-novamente-lider-no-noroeste-peninsular-em-carga-movimentada/?utm_source=openai)) - National regulator AMT’s Nov‑2025 bulletin shows Leixões down a modest **‑1.9%** in total movement vs prior year for Jan–Nov 2025, better than Sines (‑14.8%) and Setúbal (‑5%). ([amt-autoridade.pt](https://www.amt-autoridade.pt/media/5804/comunicado_imprensa_movimento_portu%C3%A1rio_novembro_2025.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - **Lisbon**: - A 2025 Green Ibérica analysis reports Lisbon as a **hinterland‑focused container gateway** with **347k TEU** handled for hinterland in 2024/25, **96.2%** of its total, and **+3.6%** growth in that segment. (Total TEUs not explicitly disclosed in the snippet, but Lisbon’s role remains largely regional, not transhipment.) ([greeniberica.pt](https://greeniberica.pt/dados-de-movimentacoes-de-contentores-nos-portos-de-lisboa-e-leixoes-em-2025/?utm_source=openai)) **Port capacity, access and congestion signals (operational, not vessel queue data)** - **Sines**: - Container terminal is equipped for **ULCS up to 22,000+ TEU** and has an expansion plan to reach **2.5 million TEU annual capacity**. The same source highlights investments in **road‑rail access as part of “Ferrovia 2020”**, to reinforce inland connectivity, especially to Madrid. ([apsinesalgarve.pt](https://www.apsinesalgarve.pt/port-of-sines/the-port/terminals/container-terminal/?utm_source=openai)) - EU transport studies and the 2025 “Invest in Sines” brochure emphasise Sines’ deep water (up to 28–30 m), uncongested anchorage, and position near the **Panama Canal routing** as a capacity hedge against congestion in North Europe/Med main hubs. ([sines.pt](https://www.sines.pt/cmsines/uploads/document/file/12305/invest_in_sines___en__2025_.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - **Leixões**: - YILPORT (terminal operator) notes Leixões handles **>18 million tonnes** annually and **~25% of Portuguese seaborne foreign trade**, positioning it as a key multi‑purpose gateway. ([yilport.com](https://www.yilport.com/en/ports/default/Leixoes-Portugal/114/0/0?utm_source=openai)) - Port authority statistics page shows 2025 container traffic data and **January 2026 TEUs** already published, indicating **continued high utilisation but no official congestion alerts**; rail connectivity via the **Linha de Leixões** (Port–Contumil freight line) has been reopened for passengers since 2025 but remains primarily a freight outlet, supporting hinterland fluidity. ([leixoes.apdl.pt](https://leixoes.apdl.pt/estatisticas/carga/movimento-de-contentores/?utm_source=openai)) - YILPORT’s 2026 working‑day calendar shows normal vessel operations on nearly all public holidays (with some gate closures), suggesting an operational strategy to mitigate congestion peaks by maintaining berth productivity even on holidays. ([yilport.com](https://www.yilport.com/en/images/PartDocuments/y_leixoes_working_calendar_2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Rates and trade‑lane dynamics (West Africa / Europe / US) – *directional signals*** - No single public source is publishing **Portugal‑origin West Africa or US box‑rate indices** specifically for 2026 yet; instead, available information points to: - **Europe–West Africa**: Market commentary around Red Sea diversions in late 2024/2025 shows some **re‑routing of Asia–EU and EU–West Africa strings**, with **Iberian ports (including Lisbon and Sines) gaining transhipment and relay calls** as carriers look for buffer ports outside the most congested North European hubs. (Evidence from Sines’ 2024 top‑15 EU ranking and growth despite wider disruptions.) ([apsinesalgarve.pt](https://www.apsinesalgarve.pt/en/news/2025/sines-strengthens-its-position-in-the-ranking-of-the-main-container-ports-in-the-european-union-in-2024/?utm_source=openai)) - **Europe–US East Coast**: Most large alliances continue to use Sines as a **waypoint on trans‑Atlantic and Asia–US East loops via Med/North Europe**, but rate trends are mainly captured in global composite indices (e.g., FBX, WCI) and not broken out for Portugal. Those indices broadly show **spot rates in Q1 2026 still elevated vs 2019 but below the early‑2022 peak**, with **ongoing volatility tied to Red Sea / Suez rerouting**; carriers have partially re‑balanced capacity via **Cape of Good Hope** and **Med/Atlantic routings**, indirectly benefiting Sines’ hub role. ([apsinesalgarve.pt](https://www.apsinesalgarve.pt/en/news/2025/sines-strengthens-its-position-in-the-ranking-of-the-main-container-ports-in-the-european-union-in-2024/?utm_source=openai)) - From an operational standpoint, current EU and Portuguese sources do **not** report systemic vessel queues or chronic yard congestion at Sines, Leixões, or Lisbon in early 2026. Instead, the policy focus is on: - **Digitalisation of port community systems and customs (NEXUS platform, “intelligent gates”, VTS)**; and - Upgrading hinterland rail/road. ([centrodeexcelenciajeanmonnet.unl.pt](https://www.centrodeexcelenciajeanmonnet.unl.pt/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/e-Book_SUSTAINABLE-BLUE-EUROPE_Com-links_vf-PUB.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Implications for exporters using Sines / Leixões / Lisbon in 2026** - **Sines**: Best suited for **high‑volume deep‑sea** exports (reefer & dry) to **US East Coast, North Europe, Med, West Africa**, with strong mainline connectivity and growing green‑energy project cargo. - **Leixões**: Strong **Northern Portugal / Galicia hinterland** gateway with regular feeder connections to **North Europe, Med and West Africa**, good rail links, and stable capacity – useful where exporter base is concentrated near Porto. - **Lisbon**: Smaller, more **hinterland‑oriented** with a significant share of domestic/short‑sea flows; appropriate for **central Portugal shippers** where landside cost savings offset potentially fewer mainline options. **Sources – Dimension 1**: ([apsinesalgarve.pt](https://www.apsinesalgarve.pt/en/news/2025/sines-strengthens-its-position-in-the-ranking-of-the-main-container-ports-in-the-european-union-in-2024/?utm_source=openai)) === 2. COMMODITY TRENDS: PORTUGAL FOOD EXPORTS (CANNED FISH/TUNA, OLIVE OIL, WINE, CORK, FRUIT) === **Overall agri‑food export performance** - Portugal’s **agri‑food exports reached €10.6 billion in 2025**, up from prior years, continuing a long‑term upward trend. ([portugalglobal.pt](https://www.portugalglobal.pt/en/trade/clusters/agri-food-cluster/?utm_source=openai)) - In 2024, agricultural products accounted for about **8.3% of total Portuguese goods exports** (all sectors), with the EU absorbing **71%** of Portugal’s total goods exports; **Spain alone takes 41.5% of Portugal’s agri‑food exports**. ([portugalglobal.pt](https://www.portugalglobal.pt/en/trade/clusters/agri-food-cluster/?utm_source=openai)) - Main agri‑food export categories highlighted in 2025 analysis: **wine, olive oil, cork, fresh fruits (esp. berries & citrus), vegetables, rice, nuts, and processed fish products**. ([practiceguides.chambers.com](https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/agribusiness-2025/portugal/trends-and-developments?utm_source=openai)) **Canned fish & tuna** - EUMOFA’s 2025 Monthly Highlights (published May 2026) reports that **Portugal exported 309,000 tonnes of fishery and aquaculture products in 2024, worth €1.46 billion.** - **Prepared/preserved fish** are a key segment and represent **55% of total export volume**. - Within processed fish exports, **prepared/preserved fish account for 39% of processed volume**, with **sardines 36%**, **tuna & tuna‑like species 7.1%**, and **mackerel 17.4%** of this processed segment. ([eumofa.eu](https://eumofa.eu/documents/20124/204256/MH%2B9%2B2025_Final.pdf/b727fe59-fcac-a26f-9ee6-8cbd01e1f753?t=1761319285328&utm_source=openai)) - The National Association of Canned Fish Manufacturers (ANICP) reports that in **H1 2025**: - Exports of the canning industry grew **+12% YoY in value** to **€199 million**; - Export volume rose **+23% YoY**, from **151,000 tonnes to 186,000 tonnes**; - Main markets: **Spain, France, Italy, UK, and the US**. ([portugalpulse.com](https://www.portugalpulse.com/exports-of-the-canning-industry-rise-12-to-199-million/?utm_source=openai)) - A sector article from 2024 notes that **tuna is now the “king” of canned fish in Portugal**, in terms of production and value, with sardines, crustaceans and molluscs also significant; **Spain and France represent 29% and 24% of the export volume respectively**. ([theportugalnews.com](https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2024-11-17/tuna-king-of-the-canned-fish-in-portugal/93580?utm_source=openai)) - On the **global trade side**, INFOFISH data show **Portugal’s canned/processed tuna (HS 1604 14) exports rose from 5,205 tonnes in 2023 to 5,621 tonnes in 2024**, an **+8% YoY** increase, keeping Portugal among second‑tier exporters after Thailand, Ecuador, China and Spain. ([infofish.org](https://infofish.org/v4/media/attachments/2024/06/20/itn-6-2024.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Olive oil** - The International Olive Council’s EU‑27 export figures place **Portugal as the 3rd–4th largest EU olive‑oil exporter**, with **225,498 tonnes exported** in the **2023/24 crop year**, valued at **€1.60 billion**, after Spain and Italy. ([internationaloliveoil.org](https://www.internationaloliveoil.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IOC-Export-figures-EU-27.html?utm_source=openai)) - UN Comtrade data for refined olive oil (HS 150990) show: - Portugal exported **significant volumes in 2024**, e.g. **1.44 million kg to Italy** (value **€5.83 million equivalent**) and **~0.69 million kg to Angola** (value **€5.28 million equivalent**), indicating both **intra‑EU and Lusophone Africa (Angola)** as key destinations. ([wits.worldbank.org](https://wits.worldbank.org/trade/comtrade/en/country/PRT/year/2024/tradeflow/Exports/partner/ALL/product/150990?utm_source=openai)) - Recent market reports emphasise a “price–volume paradox” in 2024–25: reduced harvests and high prices have **supported export value while constraining volumes**; nevertheless, Portugal has “recovered the average export volume of 2014‑2019, still only 9.2% below that period,” suggesting **medium‑term volume normalisation with high unit values**. ([exaputra.com](https://www.exaputra.com/2025/12/un-comtrade-global-olive-oil-trade.html?utm_source=openai)) **Wine** - While the latest detailed 2024/25 volume breakdowns are behind paywalls, structural sources confirm that Portugal remains a **major world wine exporter**, with Port, Vinho Verde and Madeira as leading DO exports. Wine is consistently cited as one of Portugal’s **top four agri‑food export pillars** along with olive oil, cork and fresh fruit. ([practiceguides.chambers.com](https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/agribusiness-2025/portugal/trends-and-developments?utm_source=openai)) **Cork** - Structural data (medium‑term, but still relevant) lists cork as one of Portugal’s **signature export products**, with Portugal historically supplying **~50% of world cork production** and an even higher share of processed cork exports (stoppers, panels). Although no 2025‑only cork export figure appears in the last‑90‑day window, cork remains a **core, high‑value, largely EU‑destined export** within the agri‑forestry complex. ([practiceguides.chambers.com](https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/agribusiness-2025/portugal/trends-and-developments?utm_source=openai)) **Fruit & other foods** - Recent agribusiness commentary for 2025 underscores: - Strong export orientation for **berries (blueberries, raspberries)** and **citrus**, with some regions exporting around **90% of blueberry and raspberry output**; - Continued growth in **fresh vegetables, nuts and rice** as complementary export lines. ([practiceguides.chambers.com](https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/agribusiness-2025/portugal/trends-and-developments?utm_source=openai)) - Statista’s 2024 snapshot shows agricultural exports by destination heavily skewed to the **EU (especially Spain, France, Germany)** but with growing sales to **North America and Lusophone Africa** for higher‑value products like canned fish, olive oil and wine. ([statista.com](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1400126/portugal-exports-of-agricultural-products-and-food-by-destination/?utm_source=openai)) **Direction of demand in 2025–2026** - **Canned fish / tuna**: - Double‑digit export growth in 2025 (12% value, 23% volume) suggests **robust external demand** despite high logistics costs, with diversification beyond EU to UK and US. ([portugalpulse.com](https://www.portugalpulse.com/exports-of-the-canning-industry-rise-12-to-199-million/?utm_source=openai)) - **Olive oil**: - EU‑wide export values at historically high levels due to prices; Portugal benefits but faces **tight supply and climatic risk**. Buyers increasingly segment into **bulk industrial (Italy/Spain)** and **premium bottled (US, Northern Europe, Asia)**. ([internationaloliveoil.org](https://www.internationaloliveoil.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IOC-Export-figures-EU-27.html?utm_source=openai)) - **Wine & cork**: - Continue to benefit from premiumisation trends in mature markets; cross‑border e‑commerce for wine is increasingly constrained by new EU alcohol, packaging and environmental rules, pushing more trade via specialised importers rather than direct‑to‑consumer. ([practiceguides.chambers.com](https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/agribusiness-2025/portugal/trends-and-developments?utm_source=openai)) - **Fruit**: - Export‑oriented berry and citrus sectors remain growth drivers; CAP 2023–27 and national programmes continue to support **producer organisations in fruit & vegetables**, reinforcing export infrastructure and marketing. ([practiceguides.chambers.com](https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/agribusiness-2025/portugal/trends-and-developments?utm_source=openai)) **Sources – Dimension 2**: ([statista.com](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1400126/portugal-exports-of-agricultural-products-and-food-by-destination/?utm_source=openai)) === 3. DEMAND SIGNALS: EUROPEAN FREIGHT FORWARDERS (DIGITAL PLATFORMS, EXPORTER SUPPORT, CROSS‑BORDER E‑COMMERCE & COMPLIANCE, 2025–2026) === **Digital platform adoption by forwarders (general)** - A 2025 “State of Online Freight” study finds that **by 2025, ~50% of the top global freight forwarders and 4 of the 5 largest ocean carriers offer instant online freight quotes**—a sharp increase from **0 in 2015**—indicating that major players in Europe now view **online quoting and booking as baseline capability**. ([freightos.com](https://www.freightos.com/logistics-technology-insights/logistics-technology/state-of-online-freight-sales-2025/?utm_source=openai)) - A 2025 survey by Deep Current of European and Middle East logistics providers reports: - Most freight forwarders and 3PLs say digital tools are now **“mission‑critical”**; - However, adoption is **selective**, with many firms preferring **plug‑in tools layered onto legacy TMS/ERP** rather than full platform replacement, due to cost and integration risk. ([thescxchange.com](https://www.thescxchange.com/tech-infrastructure/technology/logistics-firms-prefer-plug-in-tech-tools-to-full-platform-overhauls?utm_source=openai)) - Ontegos Cloud’s Sept‑2025 survey of **800+ forwarder and logistics professionals** concludes that while there is strong optimism about AI, **“three in four firms lack the data foundation to successfully adopt AI solutions”**, highlighting **data quality and fragmented systems** as the main barriers. ([ontegos.cloud](https://www.ontegos.cloud/blog/ontegos-cloud-survey-freight-forwarders-optimistic-about-ai-but-poor-data-quality-threatens-early-adoption?utm_source=openai)) - Academic work on **digital freight transport platforms** (2025 intermodal case study) confirms that: - Platform adoption decisions occur at **firm level** (e.g., freight forwarder) rather than individual level; - Adoption is higher where **digitisation awareness and IT capability are strong**, and where previous experiences with traditional interfaces (phone/email) are unsatisfactory; - Smaller forwarders show **slower adoption** due to capability gaps and perceived switching costs. ([link.springer.com](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12525-025-00780-0?utm_source=openai)) **AI and automation in European forwarding (2025–2026)** - The **Transporeon Transportation Pulse Report 2026** (survey Aug–Sep 2025, >230 executives, forwarders and carriers in Europe and North America) finds: - Rapid adoption of **AI‑enabled tools** for **dynamic pricing, capacity matching and ETA prediction**; - Many firms are still in **pilot or early‑scale phases**, with organisation‑wide AI use limited by **skills and process readiness**. ([trasportoeuropa.it](https://www.trasportoeuropa.it/english/ai-increasingly-embedded-in-transport/?utm_source=openai)) - A May 2026 McKinsey article on AI in freight logistics states that **AI‑fuelled software platforms are now transforming how brokers and forwarders operate**, but stresses that **“digital excellence can’t be outsourced”**: successful forwarders are building **internal product/analytics capabilities**, not only buying third‑party tools. ([mckinsey.com](https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/logistics/our-insights/code-and-cargo-how-ai-could-change-freight-logistics?utm_source=openai)) **Exporters’ demand for sourcing/selling & e‑commerce support** - Many digital freight platforms now combine **rate search + booking** with **value‑added services** such as customs screening, HS‑code guidance and marketplace integrations: - Platforms like **Logistaas** have integrated with ocean (INTTRA) and air (Traxon CargoHUB) hubs and added integrations with third‑party rate platforms in 2025, and are used by logistics firms in **Europe as well as Asia and Africa**. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logistaas?utm_source=openai)) - Industry commentary (e.g., Freightos, Magaya, FIATA digital‑strategy notes) highlights a **growing “capability gap”** between shipper expectations (self‑service, visibility, integrated compliance) and what many SME‑forwarders currently provide. This gap drives **demand from exporters—especially SMEs—for forwarders that can act as both logistics and trade‑compliance advisors**. ([freightos.com](https://www.freightos.com/logistics-technology-insights/logistics-technology/state-of-online-freight-sales-2025/?utm_source=openai)) **Cross‑border e‑commerce and customs/VAT reforms – strong 2026 compliance signal** - The **European Commission and Parliament** are accelerating customs and product‑safety reforms due to explosive growth in small parcels: - An EU customs control action found that **“most third‑country e‑commerce goods do not follow standards”**; in **2024, 4.6 billion small packages (<€150) entered the EU**, **91% from China**, up from 1.4 billion in 2022. ([dahnay.com](https://www.dahnay.com/newsroom/blog/european-customs-supply-chain-digitalization-2026?utm_source=openai)) - A 2025 European Parliament report calls for **accelerating the EU Customs Data Hub** and having its **e‑commerce functions operational by 2026**, to improve data sharing and risk targeting. ([europarl.europa.eu](https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-10-2025-0133_EN.html?utm_source=openai)) - A March 2026 policy note on cross‑border e‑commerce confirms that the **EU Customs Reform was approved on 26 March 2026**, with a focus on **better data, centralised risk analysis, and e‑commerce oversight**. ([cross-border.org](https://www.cross-border.org/_files/ugd/8fecfb_9694e88d216848adbae6b577b8efd70c.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Parallel discussions (and widely circulated trade commentaries) highlight that, from **1 July 2026**, the EU is due to introduce a **fixed ~€3 customs duty on most low‑value parcels imported from outside the EU**, **removing previous duty exemptions even for sub‑€150 orders**; this is expected to affect “the vast majority of cross‑border e‑commerce shipments” handled via IOSS, increasing **compliance and cost burdens** for non‑EU exporters and their forwarders. ([taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu](https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/news/large-scale-eu-customs-control-action-shows-most-third-country-e-commerce-goods-do-not-follow-2026-01-07_en?prefLang=hr&utm_source=openai)) **What European forwarders are actually asking for (qualitative but timely signals)** - Professional surveys and practitioner forums in late 2025–early 2026 surface recurring themes: - Forwarders are **keen on tools that integrate with existing TMS/ERP and email workflows** rather than forcing radical process change; they favour **APIs and plug‑ins** for rate management, quote automation, and customs filing. ([thescxchange.com](https://www.thescxchange.com/tech-infrastructure/technology/logistics-firms-prefer-plug-in-tech-tools-to-full-platform-overhauls?utm_source=openai)) - **Data quality and master‑data governance** are seen as the main blockers to scaling AI and predictive analytics—echoing the 75% “not data‑ready” finding from Ontegos Cloud. ([ontegos.cloud](https://www.ontegos.cloud/blog/ontegos-cloud-survey-freight-forwarders-optimistic-about-ai-but-poor-data-quality-threatens-early-adoption?utm_source=openai)) **Implications for exporters (esp. Portugal–Europe / West Africa / US flows)** - **Digital platforms**: - Exporters using European forwarders should expect **wider availability of instant online quotes and track‑and‑trace**, but **variable maturity** in deeper integration (purchase‑order visibility, predictive ETAs, advanced analytics). Larger global forwarders are ahead; SME forwarders often provide **hybrid email + portal** models. ([freightos.com](https://www.freightos.com/logistics-technology-insights/logistics-technology/state-of-online-freight-sales-2025/?utm_source=openai)) - **Sourcing/selling and compliance support**: - With EU customs and product‑safety enforcement tightening, the **value of forwarders who can manage HS‑classification, IOSS, EU product compliance and data flows is rising**. Exporters of Portuguese food products (canned fish, olive oil, wine, fruit) selling via e‑commerce into the EU or from the EU to third countries will increasingly favour forwarders and digital platforms that: - Integrate **customs data hubs, safety and labelling checks**; - Provide **automated document management** (certificates of origin, health certificates); - Offer **advisory on new flat duties and VAT changes**. ([dahnay.com](https://www.dahnay.com/newsroom/blog/european-customs-supply-chain-digitalization-2026?utm_source=openai)) **Sources – Dimension 3**: ([dahnay.com](https://www.dahnay.com/newsroom/blog/european-customs-supply-chain-digitalization-2026?utm_source=openai)) Sources: • https://www.apsinesalgarve.pt/port-of-sines/the-port/terminals/container-terminal/?utm_source=openai • Mobility and Transport Connectivity Series https://ppp.worldbank.org/sites/default/files/2026-01/The%20Container%20Port%20Performance%20Index%202020%20to%202024%20-%20Trends%20and%20Lessons%20Learned.pdf?utm_source=openai • i https://www.centrodeexcelenciajeanmonnet.unl.pt/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/e-Book_SUSTAINABLE-BLUE-EUROPE_Com-links_vf-PUB.pdf?utm_source=openai • https://www.apsinesalgarve.pt/en/news/2025/2024-is-the-best-year-ever-for-the-port-of-sines/?utm_source=openai • Sines port cargo volumes fall 11.9% in 2025 https://www.portseurope.com/sines-port-cargo-volumes-fall-11-9-in-2025/?utm_source=openai • Leixões https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leix%C3%B5es?utm_source=openai • Porto de Leixões novamente líder no Noroeste Peninsular em carga movimentada — DNOTICIAS.PT https://www.dnoticias.pt/app/2026/3/18/485238-porto-de-leixoes-novamente-lider-no-noroeste-peninsular-em-carga-movimentada/?utm_source=openai • COMUNICADO https://www.amt-autoridade.pt/media/5804/comunicado_imprensa_movimento_portu%C3%A1rio_novembro_2025.pdf?utm_source=openai • Dados de movimentações de contentores nos portos de Lisboa e Leixões em 2025 - Green Ibérica https://greeniberica.pt/dados-de-movimentacoes-de-contentores-nos-portos-de-lisboa-e-leixoes-em-2025/?utm_source=openai • https://www.apsinesalgarve.pt/port-of-sines/the-port/terminals/container-terminal/?utm_source=openai • Meeting point of Atlantic routes. https://www.sines.pt/cmsines/uploads/document/file/12305/invest_in_sines___en__2025_.pdf?utm_source=openai • https://www.yilport.com/en/ports/default/Leixoes-Portugal/114/0/0?utm_source=openai • Movimento de Contentores https://leixoes.apdl.pt/estatisticas/carga/movimento-de-contentores/?utm_source=openai • We hereby present the working schedule of YILPORT Leixões Terminal for the Public and Festive Holidays in 2026 on the https://www.yilport.com/en/images/PartDocuments/y_leixoes_working_calendar_2026.pdf?utm_source=openai • https://www.apsinesalgarve.pt/en/news/2025/sines-strengthens-its-position-in-the-ranking-of-the-main-container-ports-in-the-european-union-in-2024/?utm_source=openai • https://www.apsinesalgarve.pt/en/news/2025/sines-strengthens-its-position-in-the-ranking-of-the-main-container-ports-in-the-european-union-in-2024/?utm_source=openai • i https://www.centrodeexcelenciajeanmonnet.unl.pt/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/e-Book_SUSTAINABLE-BLUE-EUROPE_Com-links_vf-PUB.pdf?utm_source=openai • https://www.apsinesalgarve.pt/en/news/2025/sines-strengthens-its-position-in-the-ranking-of-the-main-container-ports-in-the-european-union-in-2024/?utm_source=openai • Agri-food Cluster https://www.portugalglobal.pt/en/trade/clusters/agri-food-cluster/?utm_source=openai • Agri-food Cluster https://www.portugalglobal.pt/en/trade/clusters/agri-food-cluster/?utm_source=openai • Agribusiness 2025 - Portugal | Global Practice Guides | Chambers and Partners https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/agribusiness-2025/portugal/trends-and-developments?utm_source=openai • Monthly Highlights https://eumofa.eu/documents/20124/204256/MH%2B9%2B2025_Final.pdf/b727fe59-fcac-a26f-9ee6-8cbd01e1f753?t=1761319285328&utm_source=openai • Exports of the canning industry rise 12% to 199 million - PPulse https://www.portugalpulse.com/exports-of-the-canning-industry-rise-12-to-199-million/?utm_source=openai • Tuna king of the canned fish in Portugal - The Portugal News https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2024-11-17/tuna-king-of-the-canned-fish-in-portugal/93580?utm_source=openai • 18 JUNE 2024 https://infofish.org/v4/media/attachments/2024/06/20/itn-6-2024.pdf?utm_source=openai • EXPORT FIGURES OF OLIVE OIL IN THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU-27) https://www.internationaloliveoil.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IOC-Export-figures-EU-27.html?utm_source=openai • Portugal Olive oil and fractions (excl. virgin) exports by country | 2024 | Data https://wits.worldbank.org/trade/comtrade/en/country/PRT/year/2024/tradeflow/Exports/partner/ALL/product/150990?utm_source=openai • UN Comtrade: Global Olive Oil Trade Value & Trends (Country-Region) https://www.exaputra.com/2025/12/un-comtrade-global-olive-oil-trade.html?utm_source=openai • Agribusiness 2025 - Portugal | Global Practice Guides | Chambers and Partners https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/agribusiness-2025/portugal/trends-and-developments?utm_source=openai • Agriculture in Portugal - statistics & facts | Statista https://www.statista.com/topics/11935/agriculture-in-portugal/?utm_source=openai • Agribusiness 2025 - Portugal | Global Practice Guides | Chambers and Partners https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/agribusiness-2025/portugal/trends-and-developments?utm_source=openai • Portugal: exports of agricultural products and food 2024, by destination| Statista https://www.statista.com/statistics/1400126/portugal-exports-of-agricultural-products-and-food-by-destination/?utm_source=openai • Exports of the canning industry rise 12% to 199 million - PPulse https://www.portugalpulse.com/exports-of-the-canning-industry-rise-12-to-199-million/?utm_source=openai • EXPORT FIGURES OF OLIVE OIL IN THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU-27) https://www.internationaloliveoil.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IOC-Export-figures-EU-27.html?utm_source=openai • Agribusiness 2025 - Portugal | Global Practice Guides | Chambers and Partners https://practiceguides.chambers.com/practice-guides/agribusiness-2025/portugal/trends-and-developments?utm_source=openai • Portugal: exports of agricultural products and food 2024, by destination| Statista https://www.statista.com/statistics/1400126/portugal-exports-of-agricultural-products-and-food-by-destination/?utm_source=openai