Tanger Med: Med’s Top Port Growth& Key Takeaways

Hello 👋

Welcome to your daily industry briefing.

To save you from jumping between multiple tabs, I’ve curated today’s most relevant news in global logistics, international trade, freight, and customs for 19-03-2026. Condensed and ready for a quick, insightful read 🚀.

📋 Today’s Headlines:

• Tánger Med Achieves Record Container Growth, Solidifying Mediterranean Leadership
• Spanish Flower and Plant Exports Rise 5% to €743M in 2025
• Spain’s Live Flowers and Plants Imports Surge 12% to €419M in 2025
• Canada Launches Safeguard Inquiry into Frozen and Canned Vegetable Imports
• Iran Conflict Triggers Major Disruptions to Global Cargo Operations and Rising Insurance Costs
• Transhipment Hubs Propel Global Port Volumes Up 5.2% in 2025
• Strait of Hormuz Closure Devastates Global Oil Trade Following U.S.-Israel Military Action
• EU-India FTA Faces Four Structural Risks to Effectiveness Despite Historic Conclusion
• Spanish Vehicle Production and Exports Drop Double-Digits in February 2026
• How AI and Digital Agents Protect Margins in a Volatile Logistics Market
• Shanghai Retains Top Spot in 2025 Container Port Rankings with 55.06 Million TEUs
• IRU Launches Information Hub to Support Road Transport Amid Iran Conflict
• Iran War Triggers Ocean Surcharges and Strait Disruptions
• Port of Virginia Completes Dredging for US East Coast’s Deepest Channel at 55 Feet
• Iran Conflict Drives Up Costs for UK Fruit and Vegetable Producers
• CMA CGM Deploys Multimodal Bypass Routes Amid Strait of Hormuz Restrictions
• U.S. Rail Freight Volumes Remain Flat Week-on-Week
• Canada Launches Safeguard Investigation into Frozen and Canned Vegetable Imports
• Brazil’s Differentiated Coffee Exports Lead to US and Germany in 2025
• Container Port Congestion Eases After Initial Iran Shock

Tánger Med Achieves Record Container Growth, Solidifying Mediterranean Leadership

Tánger Med Port Complex handled 11.1 million TEUs in 2025, representing an 8.4% increase from 2024’s 10.2 million containers[2]. This milestone reinforces the port’s position as Africa’s leading container hub and the Mediterranean’s largest port by throughput, driven primarily by the expansion of Terminal TC4 operated by APM Terminals[1][2].

Beyond containers, the port demonstrated robust diversification across cargo segments, handling 161 million tons of total cargo—a 13.3% year-on-year increase[2]. Liquid bulk traffic surged 13% to 8.6 million tons driven by hydrocarbon shipments, while truck traffic grew 3.6% supported by increased exports of industrial goods and agri-food products[2][5]. The port welcomed 1,319 mega-ships exceeding 290 meters, an 8.4% increase reflecting global carrier preference for larger-capacity vessels[2].

📉 Vehicle export volumes declined 12% due to automotive sector production adjustments across Renault and Stellantis plants[2]
⚓ Transshipment volume growth and enhanced operational efficiency position Tánger Med as the preferred Mediterranean gateway for east-west maritime routes[1]
📋 Terminal expansion and digitalized operations support Morocco’s export competitiveness and regional trade integration[1]
🌍 Morocco’s second deep-sea port, Nador West Med, launching in Q4 2026 with 5-12 million TEU capacity, signals strategic capacity diversification for the region[3]

Spanish Flower and Plant Exports Rise 5% to €743M in 2025

Spain’s exports of flowers and live plants reached €743 million in 2025, marking a 5% increase from €706 million in 2024, driven primarily by a 2% rise in live plants to €577 million.[1]

Andalucía and the Comunidad Valenciana together accounted for over 50% of total exports, underscoring their dominance in Spain’s ornamental sector amid stable early-year performance through May 2025 at €404 million.[1]

📉 Low operational risk from steady sector growth
⚓ Minimal freight impact with balanced EU trade flows
📋 Neutral customs effects under current EU regulations
🌍 Stable geopolitics supporting horticultural exports