UNO advocates for a more competitive fiscal framework to transform Spanish ports into intercontinental logistics hubs.

 

The logistics companies' association, UNO , has called for a more competitive tax system to attract investment and solidify Spanish ports as a "major logistics gateway to the world." This was stated by its president, Francisco Aranda, during his address at the UIMP Port Week 2025, an event organized by the Port of Santander and the Menéndez Pelayo International University.

 

According to Aranda, the current global landscape, marked by instability and ongoing crises, presents a unique opportunity for the Spanish maritime sector. In his opinion, the need to relocate logistics to strategic locations that guarantee access to key markets makes Spanish terminals ideal candidates to become intercontinental hubs . This goal would be achievable thanks to their modern infrastructure , multimodal connections, and capacity to integrate both technological innovation and environmental sustainability.

 

The president of the employers' association pointed out that a high tax burden "increases the cost of port operations and hinders international investment, limiting the competitiveness of our ports compared to other European hubs." He emphasized that a more flexible tax system would allow Spain to attract strategic projects, improve infrastructure, foster technological innovation , and ultimately strengthen its position as the continent's logistics gateway . All of this would translate into job creation and a more dynamic supply chain, generating value and reinforcing the country's competitiveness.

 

Aranda highlighted the resilience of the logistics sector, which since 2019 has established itself as one of the most successful sectors of the economy, capable of maintaining the supply chain despite the pandemic, armed conflicts, and maritime blockades. "The only certainty we have is that the crisis will be ongoing, and therefore we must live in a state of permanent alert , while we learn to anticipate geopolitical scenarios and global risks, as the maritime sector already does," he stated.

 

In his address, the leader of UNO highlighted the profound digital transformation the sector is undergoing, with the use of technologies such as big data , artificial intelligence, blockchain , and advanced automation. These innovations are transforming traditional distribution centers, such as ports, into veritable technological laboratories and, moreover, are proving to be the best ally for environmental sustainability.

 

In addition to technology, Aranda emphasized the importance of human capital . He stressed that logistics is a sector that "is pure talent" and is the third largest job creator in Spain, with an increase of 63.800 workers in the last twelve months. However, he called for "more effective active employment policies" that provide the unemployed with the skills the sector needs. "Now, more than 'labor,' we need ' brainpower, '" he asserted, adding that it is essential "to transform our labor framework and make it more flexible with lower employment taxes."

 

The president of the employers' association also presented data on the Spanish logistics real estate market, highlighting its dynamism. While logistics space leasing fell by 11% in Europe in 2024, it grew by 18% in Spain , consolidating the country's position as the European leader in productive investment . A key finding is that almost half of this leasing (47%) is taking place outside the major urban centers of Madrid and Barcelona, ​​demonstrating that the sector is not only resilient but also contributes to the country's development and generates growth opportunities in less populated regions.

 

To conclude his remarks, Francisco Aranda encouraged the Port of Santander to consolidate its strategic role in this transformation. With the expansion of its facilities, the improvement of rail connections, and the automation of processes, the president of the employers' association stated that "it is not unreasonable to set a target of exceeding 150.000 TEUs this year . That's pure competitiveness."