## Company Profile Associacao Dos Transitarios De Portugal (APAT) — national trade association for Portuguese freight forwarders and customs brokers. APAT represents the interests of forwarding firms across Portugal, provides industry advocacy, training and standards, and acts as a convenor for member firms that handle export/import cargoes through Portugal’s main ports (Sines, Leixões, Lisbon/Setúbal). Website: http://www.apat.pt/ — primary contact email listed apatlis@apat.pt. Membership likely spans small-to-mid-sized domestic forwarding companies as well as larger Iberian gateway operators (scale: national association representing the majority of Portuguese freight forwarders; direct member count not publicly listed on the page but APAT is the sector’s main body). ## Pain Points 1) Immediate regulatory & data burden: APAT members (many SMEs) face urgent compliance work from CBAM (full effect Jan 1, 2026) and ICS2 (expanded 2025–26). They need systems and operational workflows to capture richer shipment data (ENS/ICS2), emissions inputs for CBAM where relevant, and parcel-level data for e‑commerce — or face "Do Not Load" holds, fines or extra costs. 2) Digital capability gap and cost pressure: Many member forwarders still use email/spreadsheets and lack integrated TMS/customs modules or API links to carriers/marketplaces. Upgrading is costly and may accelerate consolidation if not addressed with an affordable channel to deliver compliance and market access services. 3) Opportunity-to-risk around Sines expansion & new rail corridors: Growth at Sines and improved rail access to Spain create rapid new volumes (reefer/dry) and routing options for Portuguese exporters (wine, olive oil, canned fish, cork). APAT members must win that volume and manage export compliance; otherwise larger 3PLs may capture the upstream exporters while APAT members absorb the compliance headaches. ## Intel Summary === MULTI-DIMENSION RESEARCH === === 1. [MARKET EVENTS] – PORTUGAL CONTAINER PORT THROUGHPUT & INFRASTRUCTURE (SINES, LEIXÕES, LISBON) === **Overall positioning and trends (2024–2026 direction of travel)** - Portugal’s main container ports – Sines, Leixões, Lisbon (plus Setúbal as Ro‑Ro / mixed cargo) – are positioning as Atlantic gateways with a mix of deep‑sea transshipment (Sines, Lisbon) and Iberian gateway cargo (Leixões, Lisbon, Setúbal). A February 2026 logistics article highlights Portuguese ports as “Atlantic container hubs” with deep drafts (14–16m+ at Sines) and growing intermodal connectivity. ([gettransport.com](https://gettransport.com/articles/containerized-trade-flows-portuguese-ports?utm_source=openai)) **Port of Sines – scale, growth & transshipment role** - 2024 was the **best year on record** for containerized cargo at Sines: - Container throughput grew **+16% year‑on‑year** in 2024, reaching **1.9 million TEU**. ([apsinesalgarve.pt](https://www.apsinesalgarve.pt/en/news/2025/2024-is-the-best-year-ever-for-the-port-of-sines/?utm_source=openai)) - Sines retained its **14th place in the EU Top‑15 container ports ranking in 2024** (PortEconomics). ([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)) - Function: Sines is described as a deep‑water hub combining **deep‑sea mainline calls with feeder/transshipment**; deep drafts >14–16 m support “latest‑generation containerships,” underlining its role in East‑West and North‑South trades. ([gettransport.com](https://gettransport.com/articles/containerized-trade-flows-portuguese-ports?utm_source=openai)) - Expansion program (Terminal XXI): - Quay length to be increased from **1,040 m to 1,950 m**, enabling **4 ULCVs + 1 feeder** simultaneously. - Super‑post‑Panamax cranes to rise to **19 units**; yard expanded from **42 ha to 60 ha**. - Rated capacity to rise from **2.3 million TEU to 4.1 million TEU**. ([apsinesalgarve.pt](https://www.apsinesalgarve.pt/port-of-sines/the-port/terminals/container-terminal/?utm_source=openai)) - Hinterland / rail: - Sines is benefitting from an “ambitious plan” under **Ferrovia 2020** to improve **road‑rail access towards Spain**, notably the **Sines/Évora/Spain** rail axis, enhancing penetration into the Iberian hinterland (especially Madrid). ([apsinesalgarve.pt](https://www.apsinesalgarve.pt/port-of-sines/the-port/terminals/container-terminal/?utm_source=openai)) **Port of Leixões – gateway focus & throughput pattern** - Leixões primarily serves **northern Portugal industrial/export cargo** with a gateway focus (manufacturing, retail supply chains), rather than pure transshipment. ([gettransport.com](https://gettransport.com/articles/containerized-trade-flows-portuguese-ports?utm_source=openai)) - Recent throughput: - **715,061 TEU in 2024** (container volume). ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leix%C3%B5es?utm_source=openai)) - Total cargo throughput fell from **19.5 million tonnes in 2019** to **14.4 million tonnes in 2024**, indicating some structural or cyclical softening in bulk/general cargo even as containerization continues. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leix%C3%B5es?utm_source=openai)) - The port is directly connected to the **national rail network via the Leixões line**, giving scope to feed Iberian hinterlands (Galicia / northern Spain), although current public sources emphasize its national gateway role more than broader transshipment. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leix%C3%B5es?utm_source=openai)) **Lisbon & Lisbon–Setúbal cluster – container and Ro‑Ro** - A 2026 real‑estate / logistics market note for the Lisbon–Setúbal port cluster reports: - **17.8 million tonnes total throughput in 2025**, **+2.1% YoY**. - **Container volumes around 640,000 TEU** across the cluster. - Setúbal processed **337,074 vehicles** in Ro‑Ro in 2025, **+6.2% YoY**, strengthening its auto‑gateway role for Iberia. ([realestate-lisbon.com](https://www.realestate-lisbon.com/news/market-trends/lisbon-setubal-port-cluster-sees-record-growth-signaling-major-boost-for-industrial-real-estate-investors?utm_source=openai)) - Lisbon handles a **mix of transshipment and gateway cargo**, providing central Portugal and parts of Spain with containerized access; it complements Sines (deep‑sea hub) and Leixões (northern gateway). ([gettransport.com](https://gettransport.com/articles/containerized-trade-flows-portuguese-ports?utm_source=openai)) **Transshipment & competitive positioning (2026 narrative)** - 2026 commentary on containerized trade flows underscores: - Sines’ deep‑sea transshipment and hub role along main East‑West / North‑South routes. - Lisbon acting as a secondary hub with both feeder and regional gateway cargo. - Competitive terminal pricing and high productivity at Portuguese ports enabling **lower unit costs per TEU**, which is attractive for mainline carriers recalibrating networks after Red Sea disruptions and EU environmental regulations. ([gettransport.com](https://gettransport.com/articles/containerized-trade-flows-portuguese-ports?utm_source=openai)) - The same analysis notes a **growing Ibero‑Atlantic port corridor** (including Spanish ports like Valencia, Barcelona, Algeciras) with double‑digit TEU growth at some Spanish peers in 2024, framing Sines’ +16% in a highly competitive regional context. ([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)) **Rail links to Spain – 2025–2026 status & implications** - EU and Portuguese government programs (**Ferrovia 2020**, related TEN‑T funding) prioritize: - Upgrading **Sines–Évora–Badajoz (Spain) corridor**, with design speeds and axle loads suitable for heavy freight, effectively making Sines a maritime “gateway” to Spain’s interior. ([apsinesalgarve.pt](https://www.apsinesalgarve.pt/port-of-sines/the-port/terminals/container-terminal/?utm_source=openai)) - By 2025, EU customs security authorities indicated that **rail and road operators were technically ready** for ICS2 obligations from **1 September 2025**, which reinforces the push to digitized, integrated rail corridors for Sines–Spain flows (see also ICS2 note in section 3). ([taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu](https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/customs-security/import-control-system-2-ics2-0/import-control-system-2-release-1_en?utm_source=openai)) **Key implications for containerized food & agri flows** - Sines’ capacity uplift from 2.3m to **4.1m TEU**, combined with enhanced rail links to Spain, should support: - Larger volumes of reefer and dry foodstuff containers (wine, olive oil, canned fish, cork‑related products, bulk‑to‑box conversions). - More competitive transshipment options for Atlantic South‑North and Europe–South America trades, relevant to Brazilian and other agri origins routing via Portugal. ([gettransport.com](https://gettransport.com/articles/containerized-trade-flows-portuguese-ports?utm_source=openai)) Sources for this section: ([apsinesalgarve.pt](https://www.apsinesalgarve.pt/en/news/2025/2024-is-the-best-year-ever-for-the-port-of-sines/?utm_source=openai)) === 2. [DEMAND SIGNALS] – PORTUGAL EXPORTS (WINE, OLIVE OIL, CANNED FISH, CORK) & TRADE PARTNERS (INCLUDING CHINA, BRAZIL, SPAIN) === **Macro trade pattern (2024–early 2026)** - In **2024**, the EU absorbed **~71% of Portugal’s total goods exports**; the EU also provided **~74.5% of imports**. ([portugalglobal.pt](https://www.portugalglobal.pt/media/hwflemgl/portugal-fact-sheet.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - As of **February 2026**, Portugal’s main export markets are: - **Spain ~26% of exports**, - **Germany ~13.9%**, followed by France, the UK, and the US. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugal?utm_source=openai)) - Main import markets (2026): - **Spain ~32.9%**, - **Germany ~11.9%**, with France, the Netherlands, Italy and China also key suppliers. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugal?utm_source=openai)) - A 2025 USDA Exporter Guide reiterates that Portugal is a **significant food producer and exporter (wine, olive oil, cork, citrus)** but at the same time a **net food importer**, with Spain accounting for **about 47% of Portugal’s consumer‑oriented food imports in 2024**. ([apps.fas.usda.gov](https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=Exporter+Guide+2025_Madrid_Portugal_PO2025-0007.pdf&utm_source=openai)) **Wine exports – volumes, destinations, recent growth** - 2024 performance: Portuguese wine exports increased **+4.46% by value** versus 2023. ([portugalglobal.pt](https://portugalglobal.pt/en/news/2025/february/portuguese-wine-exports-rise-by-446-in-2024/?utm_source=openai)) - Key destinations for Portuguese wine in 2024: - **France** remained the largest market by value. - Emerging/strong growth markets included **Brazil**, where imports of Portuguese wine rose **+7.5%** to **~€85.8 million** in 2024, overtaking the UK. ([portugalglobal.pt](https://portugalglobal.pt/en/news/2025/february/portuguese-wine-exports-rise-by-446-in-2024/?utm_source=openai)) - The structural export pattern remains highly EU‑centric (France, Germany, Spain, UK), but with **increasing exposure to Brazil, the US and Canada**; these align with Lusophone and diaspora demand plus premiumization trends. ([portugalglobal.pt](https://portugalglobal.pt/en/news/2025/february/portuguese-wine-exports-rise-by-446-in-2024/?utm_source=openai)) **Olive oil exports – production and trade context** - Portugal is the **world’s sixth‑largest producer of olive oil** and a net exporter; olive oil (along with wine and vegetables) is highlighted as a core agri export sector. ([apps.fas.usda.gov](https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=Exporter+Guide+2025_Madrid_Portugal_PO2025-0007.pdf&utm_source=openai)) - While recent 90‑day granular customs breakdowns are limited in public sources, structural patterns from 2024–25 show: - Major export destinations: **Spain, Italy, Brazil, the US** – with part of the trade consisting of bulk shipments re‑exported from Spain/Italy after blending and bottling. - Weather‑driven output volatility in Spain has tended to **support export demand for Portuguese olive oil**, particularly from EU buyers diversifying suppliers after drought‑affected harvests in Spain. (This is an informed inference grounded in regional harvest reports.) ([apps.fas.usda.gov](https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=Exporter+Guide+2025_Madrid_Portugal_PO2025-0007.pdf&utm_source=openai)) **Canned fish & seafood – niche but strategic** - Portugal is a major producer of **tinned/canned fish (sardines, tuna, mackerel)**. USDA’s 2025 Exporter Guide notes fish and seafood (including cod and fish fillets) as key items in trade, with strong processing/branding capabilities. ([apps.fas.usda.gov](https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=Exporter+Guide+2025_Madrid_Portugal_PO2025-0007.pdf&utm_source=openai)) - Canned fish exports are primarily EU‑oriented (Spain, France, Italy, Germany), with notable extra‑EU markets in **Brazil, the US and some Asian niche markets**. Public data in the last 90 days is more qualitative than numerical, but the sector continues to ride: - Premiumization (gourmet canned fish, innovative packaging). - E‑commerce D2C channels in North America and Asia. (Inference based on trade promotion descriptions.) ([apps.fas.usda.gov](https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=Exporter+Guide+2025_Madrid_Portugal_PO2025-0007.pdf&utm_source=openai)) **Cork exports – global leadership & destinations** - Portugal is consistently described as the **world’s leading producer of cork**, supplying a large share of global cork stoppers and other cork products. ([apps.fas.usda.gov](https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=Exporter+Guide+2025_Madrid_Portugal_PO2025-0007.pdf&utm_source=openai)) - Key markets structurally include **EU wine‑producing countries (Spain, France, Italy)** plus **the US and China** (for wine closures, flooring, and insulation materials). Recent 2025/26‑dated macro sources highlight that traditional sectors like cork still contribute meaningfully, although business services now account for a larger share of exports than in the past. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugal?utm_source=openai)) **Trade with China, Brazil, Spain – 2024/2026 signals** - **Spain**: - Largest trading partner both ways (2026): ~**26% of exports** and **32.9% of imports**. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portugal?utm_source=openai)) - Around **47% of Portugal’s consumer‑oriented food imports** in 2024 came from Spain, underscoring deep integration of Iberian food value chains (fresh and processed). ([apps.fas.usda.gov](https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=Exporter+Guide+2025_Madrid_Portugal_PO2025-0007.pdf&utm_source=openai)) - **Brazil**: - Growing destination for Portuguese wines (wine exports to Brazil +7.5% to €85.8m in 2024). ([portugalglobal.pt](https://portugalglobal.pt/en/news/2025/february/portuguese-wine-exports-rise-by-446-in-2024/?utm_source=openai)) - Also an important origin for **soybeans, beef and other agri commodities** imported into Portugal, often feeding EU‑wide distribution via Iberian ports (inference supported by USDA trade notes). ([apps.fas.usda.gov](https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=Exporter+Guide+2025_Madrid_Portugal_PO2025-0007.pdf&utm_source=openai)) - **China**: - Not a top‑3 partner in aggregate trade, but a **significant extra‑EU market** for Portuguese **cork, wine and some seafood products**; China is also a major origin for manufactured goods and equipment imported into Portugal (electronics, machinery, textiles). ([portugalglobal.pt](https://www.portugalglobal.pt/media/hwflemgl/portugal-fact-sheet.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Implications for demand signals (food & agri freight)** - Sustained growth in **wine exports (+4.46% in 2024)** and continued strong positions in **olive oil, canned fish and cork** point to: - Stable to rising **reefer and dry container demand outbound** from Portugal to EU, Brazil, North America and Asia. - With Spain as both the key export partner and largest food import origin, there is heavy **intra‑Iberian trucking and short‑sea container demand**, which may increasingly shift to rail/short sea as green freight incentives strengthen. ([portugalglobal.pt](https://portugalglobal.pt/en/news/2025/february/portuguese-wine-exports-rise-by-446-in-2024/?utm_source=openai)) Sources for this section: ([portugalglobal.pt](https://portugalglobal.pt/en/news/2025/february/portuguese-wine-exports-rise-by-446-in-2024/?utm_source=openai)) === 3. [PROBLEM FRAMING] – EU FREIGHT FORWARDING 2026: REGULATORY PRESSURES (CBAM, ICS2, DIGITALISATION) & CHALLENGES FOR PORTUGUESE FORWARDERS/SMEs === **Regulatory stack hitting in 2025–2026** 1. **CBAM – Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (full regime from 1 Jan 2026)** - CBAM (Regulation (EU) 2023/956) entered **full effect on 1 January 2026** after a transition phase (2023–2025). ([hfw.com](https://www.hfw.com/insights/simplified-eu-cbam-comes-into-force-alongside-new-implementing-and-delegated-acts/?utm_source=openai)) - Initially covers **carbon‑intensive products** such as cement, iron & steel, aluminium, fertilizers, electricity and hydrogen, with a likely future extension to additional sectors. ([hfw.com](https://www.hfw.com/insights/simplified-eu-cbam-comes-into-force-alongside-new-implementing-and-delegated-acts/?utm_source=openai)) - Importers (or their **authorised CBAM declarants**, including indirect customs reps) must: - Register with national CBAM authorities. - Report embedded emissions per product and surrender CBAM certificates annually. ([hfw.com](https://www.hfw.com/insights/simplified-eu-cbam-comes-into-force-alongside-new-implementing-and-delegated-acts/?utm_source=openai)) - For freight forwarders, especially smaller Portuguese operators handling **steel, fertilizers or aluminium** via Sines/Leixões/Lisbon, this creates: - **Data‑collection burdens** (origin mill, production route, emissions factors). - New **liability and advisory roles** vis‑à‑vis SME shippers who may lack internal carbon‑accounting capacity. ([hfw.com](https://www.hfw.com/insights/simplified-eu-cbam-comes-into-force-alongside-new-implementing-and-delegated-acts/?utm_source=openai)) 2. **ICS2 – Import Control System 2, release 3 (multi‑modal coverage)** - ICS2 is the EU’s revamped **pre‑arrival security and safety risk system**; earlier releases covered postal/express air. - Latest guidance: - **Rail and road businesses** are expected to apply new ICS2 border security rules from **1 September 2025** (ENS data obligations). ([taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu](https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/customs-security/import-control-system-2-ics2-0/import-control-system-2-release-1_en?utm_source=openai)) - Commercial logistics sources (2026 blogs/guides) highlight that ICS2 **Release 3 in March 2026** expands coverage to **all air, maritime and road imports** into the EU, requiring **richer electronic data** (HS/TN codes, consignor/consignee data, detailed goods description). ([searates.com](https://www.searates.com/ru/blog/post/eu-customs-rules-2026-ics2-cbam?utm_source=openai)) - For Portuguese forwarders and SMEs: - Need to **file complete and accurate Entry Summary Declarations (ENS)** well before loading or arrival. - Increased **IT integration with carriers, customs brokers and shippers** to avoid holds at Sines, Lisbon, Leixões or inland border points. - Shared liability: freight forwarders become **“information managers,” not just transport organizers**, as one logistics advisory note emphasizes. ([acrosslogistics.com](https://acrosslogistics.com/blog/en/eu-customs-2026-ics2-cbam-eudr?utm_source=openai)) 3. **Customs digitalisation & e‑commerce parcel rules** - EU customs reform and ICS2 are part of a broader push toward **end‑to‑end digital customs**, including: - Central EU data hub for declarations. - Stricter low‑value consignment rules and **abolition of the de minimis VAT exemption**, hitting cross‑border e‑commerce parcels (not yet fully in force but signposted for this customs reform package). ([freightamigo.com](https://www.freightamigo.com/en/blog/customs-clearance/eu-customs-clearance-2026-cbam-ics2-vat-guide/?utm_source=openai)) - E‑commerce‑focused forwarders in Portugal (handling parcels from **China and other Asian origins** into the EU via air, ocean‑LCL and parcel integrators) face: - Requirement to provide **accurate HS codes and product descriptions for every parcel** (ICS2). ([searates.com](https://www.searates.com/ru/blog/post/eu-customs-rules-2026-ics2-cbam?utm_source=openai)) - Increased **risk of seizure/fines** for under‑valuation, mis‑classification or vague descriptions (“merchandise,” “samples”). 4. **Environmental & due‑diligence regulations beyond CBAM** - 2026 regulatory commentary bundles CBAM with other ESG trade rules such as: - **EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation)** – now postponed but still looming for commodities like **coffee, cocoa, soy, palm oil, beef, timber**. ([acrosslogistics.com](https://acrosslogistics.com/blog/en/eu-customs-2026-ics2-cbam-eudr?utm_source=openai)) - For Portuguese importers/forwarders of Brazilian agri commodities (soy, beef, pulp), compliance will require: - **Geolocation data**, supply‑chain traceability, and documentation across all tiers. - Systems to prove deforestation‑free origin, which smaller Portuguese SMEs may find resource‑intensive. (Inference based on EUDR design and USDA’s note on Brazil–Portugal trade.) ([acrosslogistics.com](https://acrosslogistics.com/blog/en/eu-customs-2026-ics2-cbam-eudr?utm_source=openai)) **Specific challenges for Portuguese freight forwarders & SMEs** - **Data & IT capability gaps** - ICS2 and CBAM both **raise the minimum data quality bar**: more granular product, partner and emissions data must be captured at booking stage. - Many Portuguese SMEs still rely on **email + spreadsheets**; 2026 logistics commentary warns that without upgrading to **digital platforms / TMS with customs modules**, they risk non‑compliance and shipment delays. ([searates.com](https://www.searates.com/ru/blog/post/eu-customs-rules-2026-ics2-cbam?utm_source=openai)) - **Cost and administrative burden** - CBAM compliance (measurement, reporting, certificate purchase) will particularly weigh on: - **Importers of steel, aluminium, fertilizers** through Sines and other ports. - Freight forwarders who may need to become **authorised CBAM declarants** or closely coordinate with such entities. ([hfw.com](https://www.hfw.com/insights/simplified-eu-cbam-comes-into-force-alongside-new-implementing-and-delegated-acts/?utm_source=openai)) - SMEs may face **higher per‑shipment overheads**, eroding margins unless costs can be passed on. - **Risk of disruption at ports and borders** - ICS2 means that **incomplete or incorrect ENS data can lead to “Do Not Load” decisions** for air/ocean shipments or holds at first EU entry port. This is critical for just‑in‑time agri‑food cargo (fresh fruit/veg, frozen meat, fish). ([searates.com](https://www.searates.com/ru/blog/post/eu-customs-rules-2026-ics2-cbam?utm_source=openai)) - For Portuguese corridors to Spain (via Sines–Évora–Badajoz rail, road networks), **rail/road ICS2 compliance from Sept 2025** adds another checkpoint where poor data can disrupt flows. ([taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu](https://taxation-customs.ec.europa.eu/customs-4/customs-security/import-control-system-2-ics2-0/import-control-system-2-release-1_en?utm_source=openai)) - **E‑commerce cross‑border parcels – tightening rules** - With ICS2 fully covering postal/express and the move to abolish low‑value VAT thresholds, online sellers shipping from **China to Portuguese consumers** must ensure: - Correct IOSS / VAT treatment. - Detailed advance data per parcel; many SMEs depend on marketplaces or 3PLs for this, creating **dependency and transparency risks**. ([searates.com](https://www.searates.com/ru/blog/post/eu-customs-rules-2026-ics2-cbam?utm_source=openai)) - Portuguese forwarders working with Asian e‑commerce sellers will need **API connections** to capture HS6/8 codes and declared values at order level. - **Competitive pressure & consolidation risk** - Larger, digitally‑savvy 3PLs and integrators may **absorb compliance costs more easily**, potentially accelerating **consolidation in the Portuguese forwarding market**. - SMEs focusing on niche segments (e.g., Portuguese wine, olive oil, canned fish exporters) may mitigate this by offering **specialised trade compliance support** (CBAM screening where applicable, EUDR readiness for Brazil‑sourced inputs, etc.) but this requires upskilling. (Inference based on 2026 logistics advisory framing.) ([searates.com](https://www.searates.com/ru/blog/post/eu-customs-rules-2026-ics2-cbam?utm_source=openai)) **Opportunity side – how forwarders can respond** - **Invest in customs & ESG advisory capability** (CBAM, EUDR, ICS2) to differentiate. - **Leverage Portuguese ports’ hub status** (Sines capacity expansion, Lisbon–Setúbal growth, Leixões gateway role) to position Portugal as an efficient compliance‑ready entry point for EU markets, especially for **Brazilian and African agri exports** aimed at the EU. ([gettransport.com](https://gettransport.com/articles/containerized-trade-flows-portuguese-ports?utm_source=openai)) Sources for this section: ([searates.com](https://www.searates.com/ru/blog/post/eu-customs-rules-2026-ics2-cbam?utm_source=openai))