## Company Profile FERCAM TRANSPORTES S.A. — Spanish freight forwarder and logistics operator (Barcelona contact on file). Operates road-heavy European distribution and refrigerated/temperature-controlled transport for exporters, with services across Spain and cross‑border into EU markets. Likely strengths: refrigerated road freight, short‑sea/port connections via Valencia/Barcelona, customs and logistic services for agrifood exporters. Position: regional/national forwarder serving Spanish exporters (hortofrutícola sector) and European buyers. ## Pain Points 1) Seasonal refriger ated truck capacity squeeze and service unreliability during harvest windows — exporters need guaranteed space and multimodal backups but FERCAM must compete on price and service. 2) Low margin pressure from volatile fuel/insurance/surcharges and growing competition from global logistics providers expanding into Med/Eastern Europe — hard to acquire new high‑value exporters profitably. 3) Limited digital lead generation and advisory capability to capture nearshoring-driven triangular flows (North Africa/Turkey → Spain → EU) that require consolidation, quality checks, and customs expertise. ## Intel Summary === MULTI-DIMENSION RESEARCH === === 1. [MARKET EVENTS] Spain & Mediterranean freight market 2026 – road & short‑sea rates, capacity, congestion, new services === **Overall 2026 freight environment (relevant to Spain/Mediterranean)** - Global container market in 2026 is characterized by **fleet overcapacity of roughly 3–5%** (before blank sailings) as newbuild deliveries outpace moderate demand growth. Carriers are using **blank sailings and service reshuffling** (e.g., via Cape of Good Hope, alternative hubs) to keep rates above 2020–21 levels.([gocubic.io](https://www.gocubic.io/guides/market-intelligence/2026-freight-market-outlook?utm_source=openai)) - Red Sea / Middle East disruptions and high bunker/insurance costs continue to **elevate Asia–Europe and Asia–Mediterranean rates** versus a “normal” low‑demand environment, with widespread surcharges and GRIs in 1H 2026.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/zim/comments/1s3joqa/freightos_weekly_update_march_25_2026_excerpts/?utm_source=openai)) **Ocean/short‑sea freight rate levels into Europe/Mediterranean (2026)** - As of late April 2026, **Asia–North Europe spot rates were around USD 2,668/FEU**, about **8% higher than pre‑war levels**; **Asia–Mediterranean at ~USD 3,527/FEU**, about **3% lower than in late February 2026** (after earlier spikes), suggesting some easing but still above 2019 baselines.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/zim/comments/1sy97nu/freightos_weekly_update_april_28_2026_excerpts/?utm_source=openai)) - Earlier, in March 2026, Shanghai–Jebel Ali spot rates (proxy for Asia–Middle East; also feeding Med via transshipment) exceeded **USD 7,000/FEU**, with **Asia–Mediterranean quoted around USD 4,264/FEU**, driven by diversions and capacity constraints in alternative hubs.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/zim/comments/1s3joqa/freightos_weekly_update_march_25_2026_excerpts/?utm_source=openai)) - A March–April 2026 trade update notes that on many lanes, **ocean rates have risen by USD 400–600 per container** since late March, reflecting further capacity tightening and surcharges; carriers are **doubling some lane rates vs. early‑year levels** via GRIs and PSS.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/FreightRight/comments/1s2qic5/ocean_rates_up_as_volumes_continue_to_sink/?utm_source=openai)) *(Implication for Spanish exporters)*: Southbound import pressure and carrier capacity management keep **westbound Asia–Med rates elevated**, which indirectly lifts **eastbound backhaul price floors** from Spain/Mediterranean, though backhaul rates remain structurally lower than headhaul. Contract negotiations for 2026–27 are occurring in a context of volatile, but not 2021‑like, pricing.([gocubic.io](https://www.gocubic.io/guides/market-intelligence/2026-freight-market-outlook?utm_source=openai)) **Port capacity and congestion – Spanish & Western Mediterranean ports (2025–26)** - A 2026 special report on Spanish ports highlights that **Valencia remains Spain’s leading port for general cargo** and is a core hub for short‑sea and deep‑sea services in the Western Mediterranean. The report notes ongoing **investment in container, ro‑ro, and short‑sea capacity** and a re‑organization of services to improve hub efficiency.([transportexxi.com](https://www.transportexxi.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/TransporteXXI-SP-Spanish-Ports-2026-web.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Industry freight market updates in April 2026 flag **“severe weather” disruptions in the Western Mediterranean** contributing to occasional schedule unreliability and localized congestion, although not chronic gridlock.([jmrodgers.com](https://www.jmrodgers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/JMR-Freight-Market-Update-April-2026-v1.0.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Most current global congestion hot‑spots remain **Asia and key transshipment hubs** (Shanghai, Ningbo, Singapore, Nhava Sheva, etc.), but knock‑on impacts are felt in Europe via **schedule bunching and missed calls**, which Spanish exporters see as increased schedule risk rather than day‑to‑day berth congestion.([jmrodgers.com](https://www.jmrodgers.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/JMR-Freight-Market-Update-April-2026-v1.0.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Road freight – Spain and cross‑border to EU (relevant to exporters)** - Spanish fruit & vegetable exports (which dominate temperature‑controlled outbound flows) are **95% moved by road**, with **12.6 million tonnes by truck out of 13.2 million tonnes total** in 2025; maritime carries just **~4.2% (≈559,000 t)**. This modal split has been stable (95% road in both 2024 and 2025).([hortidaily.com](https://www.hortidaily.com/article/9818108/spain-still-exports-most-of-its-fruits-and-vegetables-by-road/?utm_source=openai)) - Road freight volumes across the EU grew by **3% over the last five years**, with several Eastern countries >10%, putting structural pressure on capacity, especially in cross‑border lanes and at non‑EU borders.([dpworld.com](https://www.dpworld.com/en/insights/why-the-centre-of-gravity-in-european-logistics-is-shifting-east?utm_source=openai)) - Market commentary for 2025–26 notes **country‑specific challenges for European freight forwarders**, including **border congestion on Eastern EU frontiers** and **seasonal peaks linked to agricultural exports from Spain**, which require flexible trucking capacity and can tighten spot road rates during Spanish harvest windows (e.g., citrus, stonefruit, vegetables).([freightnet.com](https://www.freightnet.com/news/article/112.htm?utm_source=openai)) *(Implication)*: For **Spanish exporters into core EU markets (France, Germany, Benelux)**, 2026 road freight is characterized by **tight but functional capacity**, with **seasonal rate spikes** during peak harvests and rising cost pressures from fuel, driver shortages, and environmental regulations (Euro VI, CO₂ pricing). **Short‑sea & intra‑Med network changes affecting Spain (2025–26)** - **CMA CGM – Sfax–Tanger–Valencia loop (Short Sea Lines)** - New **weekly short‑sea service** introduced to link **Sfax (Tunisia), Tanger (Morocco), and Valencia (Spain)**, timed with the **2025–26 Tunisian date export season**, providing a **direct, faster connection between North Africa and Southern Europe** and enhancing CMA CGM’s short‑sea network.([container-news.com](https://container-news.com/cma-cgm-launches-new-service-linking-sfax-with-tanger-and-valencia/?utm_source=openai)) - **CMA CGM – Maestrale short‑sea service (Albania–Croatia–Italy–Malta)** - Launched in late 2025 as a new intra‑Med **short‑sea loop connecting Albania, Croatia, Italy, and Malta**, creating additional options for transshipment and feedering in the Central Mediterranean (indirectly improving connectivity from Spain via Italian or Maltese hubs).([portseurope.com](https://www.portseurope.com/cma-cgm-to-launch-maestrale-short-sea-service/?utm_source=openai)) - **MSC – Levante Express enhancement** - MSC expanded its **Levante Express** service in November 2025 to include direct calls at **Bremerhaven (Germany), Limassol (Cyprus) and Beirut (Lebanon)**, strengthening the corridor between **Northern Europe and the Eastern Med** and improving connectivity for Spanish exporters via Valencia/other Spanish hubs into East Med markets.([portseurope.com](https://www.portseurope.com/msc-enhances-levante-express/?utm_source=openai)) - **ONE (Ocean Network Express) – Spain–Turkey & Aegean services** - In early 2026, ONE **revamped its Spain–Türkiye 2 (ST2) service** and launched **two new intra‑Europe loops – Aegean Spain 1 (AS1) and Alexandria Spain 2 (AS2)**. These are designed to **enhance connectivity and reliability across the Mediterranean**, with the first revamped call into Alexandria planned for **25 February 2026**. This directly improves **Spain–Turkey–East Med** short‑sea coverage and options for Spanish exporters looking at Turkey/Egypt as either markets or nearshore manufacturing bases.([container-news.com](https://container-news.com/one-revamps-st2-service-and-launches-new-as1-and-as2-loops/?utm_source=openai)) *(Net effect for Spanish exporters in 2026)* - **Network depth is improving**: multiple new or expanded intra‑Med and short‑sea loops (CMA CGM, MSC, ONE) increase **sailing frequency and port pair options** between Spain, North Africa, Turkey/Eastern Med, and Northern Europe. - **Price environment remains elevated/volatile** due to Red Sea and fuel/insurance factors, but global overcapacity is limiting extreme spikes; carriers are using **capacity discipline instead of structural shortage** to support rates. - **Operational risk**: weather in Western Med and long‑haul disruption still cause **schedule variability**, requiring Spanish exporters to maintain more buffer inventory and multimodal options (road + short‑sea + rail). **Sources – [MARKET EVENTS]** ([gocubic.io](https://www.gocubic.io/guides/market-intelligence/2026-freight-market-outlook?utm_source=openai)) === 2. [COMMODITY TRENDS] Spanish fresh fruit & vegetable export trends 2026 – volumes, seasonality, destinations, logistics/cold‑chain === **Export volumes & values (latest data)** - Spanish fruit & vegetable exports (chapters 07 & 08, plus some processed) reached **≈13.2 million tonnes in 2025**, with **12.6 million t by road** and **~0.56 million t by sea**.([hortidaily.com](https://www.hortidaily.com/article/9818108/spain-still-exports-most-of-its-fruits-and-vegetables-by-road/?utm_source=openai)) - Value of Spanish fruit & vegetable exports in **2024 exceeded EUR 17.7 billion**, up **5% year‑on‑year**, confirming continued expansion.([europapress.es](https://www.europapress.es/economia/noticia-exportaciones-hortofruticolas-espanolas-crecen-2024-superar-17700-millones-20250218132015.html?utm_source=openai)) - Within 2024 exports: - **Strawberries**: **255,375 t (+4%)**, value **EUR 788 million (+12.5%)**. - **Watermelon**: **789,733 t (+16% volume, +11% value)**, EUR **552 million**, becoming the **third most exported fruit** after orange and mandarin.([europapress.es](https://www.europapress.es/economia/noticia-exportaciones-hortofruticolas-espanolas-crecen-2024-superar-17700-millones-20250218132015.html?utm_source=openai)) - A mid‑2025 trade overview notes that in **1H 2025**, Spain exported **≈3.4 million t of fruit (+2% YoY)**, with vegetables also positive, underscoring the **resilience of export volumes despite cost and logistics headwinds**.([ifema.es](https://www.ifema.es/en/fruit-attraction/doc/press-kit/dossier-prensa-fruit-attraction-ingles.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Seasonality & modal patterns** - Major export windows (approximate): - **Citrus (oranges, mandarins, lemons)**: Oct–Mar/Apr; high outbound road volumes northbound into France, Germany, Benelux. - **Strawberries & soft fruit**: Jan–May (peaking Mar–Apr) concentrated out of **Huelva/Andalusia**. - **Stone fruit (peaches, nectarines, apricots)**: May–Aug; strong flows to Germany, France, Italy, Eastern EU. - **Melons & watermelons**: Apr–Sep, with peak in **late spring–summer**, heavy flows to Northern Europe and Eastern EU. - **Greenhouse vegetables (peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers)**: fall–spring (Oct–May), driven by Almería/Murcia exports. - Because **95% of these exports move by truck**, peak harvests translate directly into **seasonal tightening of refrigerated trucking capacity and higher spot rates**, especially from **southern Spain to central/northern EU**.([hortidaily.com](https://www.hortidaily.com/article/9818108/spain-still-exports-most-of-its-fruits-and-vegetables-by-road/?utm_source=openai)) **Key export destinations (structure as of 2024–25)** - EU remains overwhelmingly dominant; Fruit Attraction/IFEMA data show the **EU‑27 as the main destination** for Spanish fresh fruit and veg, with non‑EU markets still relatively small but growing.([ifema.es](https://www.ifema.es/en/fruit-attraction/doc/press-kit/dossier-prensa-fruit-attraction-ingles.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Traditional top markets (by volume & value) include **Germany, France, UK, Netherlands, Italy, and Portugal**, which collectively absorb the majority of exports (commonly over 70% across many product lines, per long‑run Comtrade/FEPEX patterns). Recent reports emphasize: - Strong growth to **Germany and Eastern EU** for watermelons and stone fruit.([vakbladvoedingsindustrie.nl](https://vakbladvoedingsindustrie.nl/storage/app/media/Rapporten/rapporten%202025/VOE-2025-JUN-SGP.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Gradual expansion into **third‑country markets (Middle East, North America)** supported by better maritime and air‑freight solutions, but still a small share vs. EU road flows.([ifema.es](https://www.ifema.es/en/fruit-attraction/doc/press-kit/dossier-prensa-fruit-attraction-ingles.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Logistics & cold‑chain bottlenecks (2024–26)** - **Modal imbalance:** With **95% of exports by road and only 4–5% by sea**, Spain’s fresh produce sector is **heavily dependent on trucking**, making it vulnerable to: - **Driver shortages and wage pressures**, - **Fuel price volatility**, - **Regulatory constraints** (drivers’ hours, EU mobility package, CO₂ pricing on road fuel over time).([hortidaily.com](https://www.hortidaily.com/article/9818108/spain-still-exports-most-of-its-fruits-and-vegetables-by-road/?utm_source=openai)) - **Port & maritime underutilization for fresh produce**: only **~559,000 t** moved by sea in 2025. This underuse is linked to **transit time sensitivity** and **perceived service unreliability for perishable cargo**, though new Med short‑sea services (see Dimension 1) may gradually change this balance for certain products/destinations (e.g., North Africa, Eastern Med).([hortidaily.com](https://www.hortidaily.com/article/9818108/spain-still-exports-most-of-its-fruits-and-vegetables-by-road/?utm_source=openai)) - **Cold‑chain infrastructure**: - Large Spanish ports (Valencia, Algeciras, Barcelona) have significant reefer plug and cold‑storage capacity, but producers report **coordination issues and limited practical options for time‑sensitive exports** vs. direct trucking.([transportexxi.com](https://www.transportexxi.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/TransporteXXI-SP-Spanish-Ports-2026-web.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Anecdotal supply‑chain feedback from 2025 describes **operational challenges in fresh produce logistics**, including inadequate warehouse coordination and limited high‑quality haulier options in some key production/port areas, causing **loading delays and service‑quality concerns**.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/supplychain/comments/1n8zo2k?utm_source=openai)) - **Border and regulatory frictions**: - For intra‑EU exports, customs is minimal, but **phyto‑sanitary controls, road inspections, and cross‑border bottlenecks (e.g., France strikes, Eastern EU border congestion)** can introduce **multi‑day delays** during peak periods.([freightamigo.com](https://www.freightamigo.com/en/blog/logistics/logistics-challenges-amid-eastern-european-tensions-freightamigos-perspective/?utm_source=openai)) - Post‑Brexit, the UK remains a major market but with **higher compliance and logistics costs**; Spanish exporters increasingly use **groupage and specialized UK‑focused forwarders** to manage paperwork and cold‑chain handoffs (noted in industry commentary though not quantified in the recent sources). **Strategic trends for Spanish fresh exports (2026)** - **Product mix shift toward higher‑value fruits** (berries, watermelon, citrus, processed/IV range) with above‑average value growth (e.g., strawberries +12.5% value vs. +4% volume in 2024).([europapress.es](https://www.europapress.es/economia/noticia-exportaciones-hortofruticolas-espanolas-crecen-2024-superar-17700-millones-20250218132015.html?utm_source=openai)) - **Growing reliance on Eastern and Central Europe** as incremental demand engines, aligning with a broader “shift east” of Europe’s logistics gravity; this encourages Spanish exporters and forwarders to strengthen corridors into **Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary** via road and possibly rail‑road combinations.([dpworld.com](https://www.dpworld.com/en/insights/why-the-centre-of-gravity-in-european-logistics-is-shifting-east?utm_source=openai)) - With persistent trucking dominance and exposure to fuel/driver costs, there is **incremental interest in short‑sea solutions** for non‑ultra‑perishable products and/or longer‑haul destinations, but this is still at an early stage given the low current seaborne share (~4–5%).([container-news.com](https://container-news.com/cma-cgm-launches-new-service-linking-sfax-with-tanger-and-valencia/?utm_source=openai)) **Sources – [COMMODITY TRENDS]** ([hortidaily.com](https://www.hortidaily.com/article/9818108/spain-still-exports-most-of-its-fruits-and-vegetables-by-road/?utm_source=openai)) === 3. [DEMAND SIGNALS] Nearshoring & EU buyer sourcing shifts 2026 – moves from Asia to Turkey/North Africa/Eastern Europe & impact on Spanish forwarders === **Macro evidence of nearshoring / regionalization (Europe, 2025–26)** - The Economist Impact “Trade in Transition 2025” survey (cited by IMF 2026) finds **42% of global companies are redesigning supply chains toward regionalization/nearshoring** to improve resilience and manage geopolitical risk.([imf.org](https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/publications/dp/2026/english/nacccoea.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - EU‑based firms in that survey **expect to further increase nearshoring and reshoring in 2025–26**, driven by **supply‑chain risk mitigation, transport cost volatility, and policy incentives**, with a focus on **North Africa, Turkey, Eastern Europe** as proximate production/sourcing bases.([imf.org](https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/publications/dp/2026/english/nacccoea.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - A 2025 logistics insight from DP World notes: - Over 2017–22, **EU road freight volumes grew 3% overall**, but **eight Eastern European countries recorded >10% growth**, reflecting both demand and the **shift of manufacturing and logistics activity eastward**. - Turkey’s government boosted its **2025 transport infrastructure budget by ~€8.5 billion, +37% vs. 2024**, explicitly to support its role as a nearshoring/logistics hub between Europe, Asia, and MENA.([dpworld.com](https://www.dpworld.com/en/insights/why-the-centre-of-gravity-in-european-logistics-is-shifting-east?utm_source=openai)) **Specific sourcing shifts from Asia toward “near” regions** - Logistics analyses of Eastern Europe tensions and Black Sea disruptions in 2025–26 show: - **35% of EU–Asia trade rerouted** due to Black Sea/Ukraine‑related restrictions, with some flows redirecting to **Turkey, Baltics, and alternative overland corridors**. - Companies in automotive, electronics, and other sectors increasingly **shift some supplier base to Turkey and Eastern Europe**, partly as a hedge against Asia risk.([freightamigo.com](https://www.freightamigo.com/en/blog/logistics/logistics-challenges-amid-eastern-european-tensions-freightamigos-perspective/?utm_source=openai)) - Broader multi‑region data (North America and Europe) show **sharp reductions in China‑centric sourcing** and rising trade with nearshore partners; while this specific example is US‑focused, the same logic is encouraging EU buyers to **rebalance to Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia, and Eastern EU** for selected product lines (textiles, automotive, electronics, some agri‑processing).([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/logistics/comments/1tb68d1/catch_up_on_what_happened_this_week_in_logistics/?utm_source=openai)) **Implications for Turkey, North Africa, Eastern Europe as sourcing/production bases** - Turkey is singled out in multiple logistics and policy analyses as a **winner from nearshoring**, benefiting from: - EU–Turkey customs union, - Increased transport infrastructure investment (**+37% capex in 2025**), - Strategic location at the junction of Europe and Middle East/Asia.([dpworld.com](https://www.dpworld.com/en/insights/why-the-centre-of-gravity-in-european-logistics-is-shifting-east?utm_source=openai)) - North Africa (notably **Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt**) is increasingly positioned as a **nearshore manufacturing and agricultural supply base** for the EU. New short‑sea services (CMA CGM’s **Sfax–Tanger–Valencia** loop, ONE’s Spain–Aegean/Egypt services) are partly a response to **rising cargo flows between these regions and Spain/Europe**.([container-news.com](https://container-news.com/cma-cgm-launches-new-service-linking-sfax-with-tanger-and-valencia/?utm_source=openai)) - Eastern Europe and the Balkans, with **>10% road freight growth in several countries**, are absorbing more logistics investment and contract manufacturing, as buyers seek **lower labor costs than Western EU but reduced lead time vs. Asia**.([dpworld.com](https://www.dpworld.com/en/insights/why-the-centre-of-gravity-in-european-logistics-is-shifting-east?utm_source=openai)) **How this affects Spanish freight forwarders in 2026** *Positive demand effects* - **More intra‑Med and intra‑European flows**: - As EU buyers shift from Asia to **Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Eastern EU**, the **relative importance of Mediterranean and pan‑European corridors increases**. - Spanish forwarders with strong **road and short‑sea networks** can position themselves as **integrators for triangular flows**: e.g., **Turkey → Spain → rest of EU** (via consolidation in Spanish hubs), or **North Africa ↔ Spain ↔ Northern Europe**. New services (CMA CGM Sfax–Tanger–Valencia, ONE AS1/AS2, MSC Levante Express enhancement) directly expand the toolkit for such routings.([container-news.com](https://container-news.com/cma-cgm-launches-new-service-linking-sfax-with-tanger-and-valencia/?utm_source=openai)) - **Agrifood and FMCG**: - Spain’s agrifood sector is already a **strategic export pillar**, and nearshoring can **strengthen its role as both a production base and a logistics gateway** for food products entering the EU from North Africa and the wider Mediterranean. Financial sector research on Spanish agrifood stresses its increasing role in **global and regional trade**, tied closely to efficient logistics and cold‑chain services – an area where Spanish forwarders specialize.([caixabankresearch.com](https://www.caixabankresearch.com/sites/default/files/content/file/2025/10/14/91184/is-agro-2025-en.pdf?utm_source=openai)) *Competitive & margin pressures* - **Rate environment**: - Even as sourcing shifts closer to Europe, **ocean and road freight costs remain structurally higher** than pre‑pandemic averages because of fuel, insurance, and compliance costs (e.g., FuelEU Maritime, ETS‑related impacts, security surcharges), squeezing margins of forwarders handling both Asia and nearshore volumes.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/zim/comments/1sy97nu/freightos_weekly_update_april_28_2026-excerpts/?utm_source=openai)) - **Shift of logistics “centre of gravity” eastward**: - DP World and others argue that the **logistics centre of gravity in Europe is moving east**, with growing infrastructure and investment in ports and logistics parks in **Greece, Balkans, Turkey, and Eastern EU**. This can **divert some gateway and consolidation roles away from Iberian ports** toward Piraeus, Constanta, and Turkish hubs, unless Spanish actors actively invest in Med‑wide network roles.([dpworld.com](https://www.dpworld.com/en/insights/why-the-centre-of-gravity-in-european-logistics-is-shifting-east?utm_source=openai)) *Operational impacts specific to Spanish forwarders* - **Network re‑design**: Spanish forwarders are increasingly: - Building **multi‑node solutions**: combining **Spanish distribution centers** with satellite hubs in **Turkey, Morocco, or Eastern EU**. - Expanding **short‑sea offerings** to complement their traditional road dominance, taking advantage of new loops serving Valencia, Barcelona, and Algeciras.([container-news.com](https://container-news.com/cma-cgm-launches-new-service-linking-sfax-with-tanger-and-valencia/?utm_source=openai)) - **Service mix**: There is a relative shift from purely **Asia–EU long‑haul forwarding** to more **regional and intra‑Med services**, including: - **Cross‑dock & consolidation of Mediterranean suppliers** in Spanish hubs for final distribution to EU retailers. - **Value‑added services** (customs representation, quality control for agri‑food, packaging, labelling) closer to the EU market.([caixabankresearch.com](https://www.caixabankresearch.com/sites/default/files/content/file/2025/10/14/91184/is-agro-2025-en.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - **Risk & resilience consulting**: With companies redesigning supply chains, forwarders that can **advise on lane diversification, inventory positioning, and multi‑modal routing** (road + short‑sea + rail) stand to capture higher‑margin business. Surveys showing **>40% of firms re‑architecting supply chains** underpin this advisory opportunity.([imf.org](https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/publications/dp/2026/english/nacccoea.pdf?utm_source=openai)) *Net 2026 demand signal for Spanish freight forwarders* - **Volume outlook**: Nearshoring does **not necessarily reduce freight demand**; it **re‑allocates it** from intercontinental Asia–EU routes to **regional Mediterranean and intra‑European corridors**, where Spanish forwarders are well positioned if they invest in East‑ and South‑facing capabilities. - **Competitive landscape**: At the same time, major global logistics players and regional specialists are **“planting flags” in Eastern and Southern Europe**, increasing competition. Spanish forwarders need to leverage their **strength in agrifood and Med connectivity** to remain central in redesigned supply chains.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/logistics/comments/1tb68d1/catch_up_on_what_happened_this_week_in-logistics/?utm_source=openai)) **Sources – [DEMAND SIGNALS]** ([imf.org](https://www.imf.org/-/media/files/publications/dp/2026/english/nacccoea.pdf?utm_source=openai))