CIMALSA assesses tariff impact on global logistics during SIL 2025

 

The Catalan public company CIMALSA, a leader in logistics and mobility, celebrated within the framework of the International Logistics Exhibition (SIL) 2025 su Smart Logistics ConferenceUnder the thought-provoking title "The Impact of Tariff Policy on the Transport and Logistics Sector," the meeting, which brought together leading professionals from the sector, aimed to analyze the current situation and future challenges arising from tariff policy. tariff policies, and its influence on the global competitiveness of logistics chains.

 

The round table, coordinated and moderated by Jordi Fornós, director of consulting and international projects at CIMALSA, included the participation of key figures such as Elena Antonijuan (ACCIÓ), Jordi Bort (Llopart), Antonio de la Ossa (AVINCLA) and Enric Ticó (FETEIA). During the debate, it was evident that the current landscape is moving away from traditional multilateralism, shifting toward more transactional trade policies.

 

Elena AntonijuanACCIÓ, emphasized the economic impact of these measures: "The direct impact represents only 4% of Catalan GDP, but the indirect impact on global chains and intermediate exports"These goods, which end up being redistributed from other European countries, make the real impact much greater." Antonijuan explained that the sectors most affected in Catalonia are pharmaceuticals, metallurgy, and machinery.

 

Geopolitics and trade tensions are redefining the global logistics landscape and forcing companies to adapt strategies, routes, and business models.

 

For its part, Antonio de la Ossa, partner and foreign trade director of AVINCLA, urged caution in assessing the tariff effects: "It is not advisable to assess the Trump effect of the tariffs in an accelerated manner. United States "He has the capacity to break the mold, and this policy will certainly not be short-lived like in his first term." He also emphasized the need to improve the efficiency of the customs system to prevent potential fraud.

 

Enric TicoThe president of FETEIA shared the sector's hope for a review of the customs code and the creation of a unified customs system in the European Union. Ticó highlighted the crucial role of freight forwarders in these situations, who "always seek alternatives to the challenges we face. More than 90% of goods transport passes through freight forwarders, and in uncertain times this figure increases."

 

From the perspective of the producing sector, Jordi BortBort, CEO of Llopart, emphasized the importance of patience and a long-term vision in decision-making. He shared his company's strategy, which involved "absorbing part of the increased costs resulting from higher tariffs in order to maintain order regularity, through an agent we've worked with for 30 years who places orders with us every two weeks."

The management and planning of economic activity parks

 

In another highlighted session, the Agora of CIMALSA hosted the debate "Indicators in the management and planning of industrial parks", with the participation of Lourdes Sugranyes (El Prat de Llobregat City Council), Martí Puig (Cisternas del Vallés) and Fina Jarque (CIMALSA). The fundamental role of industrial parks as workplaces was highlighted, emphasizing the importance of them being "a pleasant space," according to Martí PuigPuig called for public-private collaboration for the development of these spaces, although Lourdes Sugranyes affirmed that the initial responsibility lies with the administration.

Launch of the International Alliance for the Pilot Testing of the +FIRRST System

 

Finally, Simó Batlle, technical director of CIMALSA, participated in a round table organized by FERRMED on the International Alliance for the pilot test of the +FIRRST system. Batlle emphasized that «The train is a competitive tool for companies"Especially for long-distance transport; now it's up to us to prove to companies that this is true." He also highlighted FERRMED's support for the project, suggesting the addition of more freight forwarders and road transport operators to ensure the system's future.