FETEIA warns Gibraltar trade blockage & 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 26-03-2026. Condensed and ready for a quick, insightful read 🚀.

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📋 Today’s Headlines:

• FETEIA Warns of Gibraltar Trade Blockage Risk
• Spain Rail Freight Up 2.1% in Q4 2025
• Air Cargo Recovery Gains Momentum in Middle East

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FETEIA Warns of Gibraltar Trade Blockage Risk

FETEIA-OLTRA, the Spanish Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations, has expressed significant concern to Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares regarding the practical application of the EU-UK agreement on Gibraltar [1]. The federation warns of potential disruption, particularly concerning customs procedures, which could lead to a commercial blockade at the border.

The apprehension stems from an analysis indicating that current proposals may create operational bottlenecks and jeopardize smooth cross-border trade [1]. Effective implementation of future arrangements is crucial to avoid unintended friction and ensure the seamless flow of goods, underscoring the importance of robust supply chain management and clarity in regulatory frameworks.

📉 Risk: Potential operational bottlenecks and trade disruption.
⚓ Freight: Increased friction for cross-border movement of goods.
📋 Customs: Concerns over practical application of new customs rules.
🌍 Geopolitics: EU-UK agreement impacting regional trade stability.

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Spain Rail Freight Up 2.1% in Q4 2025

Spain’s rail freight transport experienced a significant 2.1% increase in the final quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, as reported by the National Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC) [1]. This positive trend indicates improved sector performance for rail logistics at the close of the year.

This growth in rail volumes suggests a potential acceleration in modal shift strategies within Spanish supply chains, aligning with broader sustainability goals. The uptick in rail utilization enhances overall supply chain resilience by diversifying transportation options and optimizing domestic freight movement.

📉 Risk: Potential for increased operational pressure on existing rail infrastructure.
⚓ Freight: Higher demand for intermodal freight solutions and terminal capacity.
📋 Customs: No direct customs impact; regulatory oversight by CNMC remains key.
🌍 Geopolitics: Stable domestic market conditions support sustained rail sector growth.

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Air Cargo Recovery Gains Momentum in Middle East

Following the UAE’s initiative, Qatar has partially reopened its airspace, marking a significant step in regional air cargo recovery [1]. This week, Qatar Airways is set to operate 45 freighter flights, complemented by numerous passenger services. Concurrently, Emirates plans to fly over 160 freighter flights, reflecting the airlines’ accelerating operational recovery.

The notable increase in flight frequencies by these major Middle Eastern carriers signifies a robust progression in restoring the global supply chain. Despite broader air rate increases driven by rising fuel costs, this expanded capacity is critical for enhancing cargo flow efficiency and catering to growing demand as international markets continue their post-pandemic rebound.

📉 Risk: Potential for increased operational complexity with higher flight volumes.
⚓ Freight: Significant boost in air cargo capacity and route options from the Middle East.
📋 Customs: Increased customs processing demands due to higher flight frequencies and cargo volumes.
🌍 Geopolitics: Regional airspace reopening contributes to wider economic and logistical interconnectedness.

📚 Sources:

1. FETEIA advierte a José Manuel Albares del riesgo de bloqueo comercial por el acuerdo UE-Reino Unido sobre Gibraltar
2. El transporte ferroviario en España cerró el 2025 con un repunte del 2,1%
3. [Freightos Weekly Update] Air rates climbing again, as fuel costs rise