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

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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

Spain’s Live Flowers and Plants Imports Surge 12% to €419M in 2025

Spain’s imports of live flowers and plants reached €419 million in 2025, marking a 12% increase from 2024, according to FEPEX data released today.[1]

Imports from the EU, accounting for 58% of the total, grew by 10%, while non-EU sources rose 15%, reflecting robust demand amid Spain’s strong position as a floral exporter ranking 13th globally and positive trade balance in recent months.[1][4][6]

📉 Minimal operational risk from steady growth
⚓ Increased freight demand for perishables strains cold-chain capacity
📋 Standard EU customs; watch non-EU regulatory checks
🌍 Stable geopolitics supports EU-third country flows

Canada Launches Safeguard Inquiry into Frozen and Canned Vegetable Imports

On March 16, 2026, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal initiated a safeguard inquiry (GC-2025-001) into imports of certain frozen and canned vegetable goods, following a direction from the Governor in Council on the Minister of Finance’s recommendation[1][2][4]. The inquiry, prompted by a complaint from the Canadian Association of Vegetable Growers and Processors, aims to assess if surging imports are causing or threatening serious injury to domestic producers[2][4][6]. The Tribunal must report findings and remedy recommendations by September 9, 2026[1][3].

This action responds to trade diversion from global restrictions by other WTO members, leading to increased low-priced imports disrupting the Canadian market[2][6]. Potential remedies, if affirmative findings are made, include tariffs, quotas, or tariff-rate quotas over three years, while considering impacts on consumer affordability and food security[1][4]. Interested parties must file participation notices by April 2, 2026, ahead of hearings starting June 15[1][4].

📉 Potential tariffs or quotas may raise costs for vegetable importers
⚓ Minimal direct impact on freight or ports expected at this inquiry stage
📋 Increased customs scrutiny and possible future restrictions on imports
🌍 Reflects WTO-compliant response to global trade diversion pressures

Iran Conflict Triggers Major Disruptions to Global Cargo Operations and Rising Insurance Costs

The U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran on February 28, 2026, have created an unprecedented crisis in global logistics, with approximately 135,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) of cargo valued at nearly $4 billion currently stranded or at risk in the region[5]. Following Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, vessel traffic through this critical waterway plummeted from an average of 138 ships daily to just two by early March, forcing major shipping lines including MSC to terminate voyages and demand increased charges or alternative arrangements from cargo owners[5][6]. The conflict has already resulted in direct physical threats to vessels, with at least one container ship reportedly struck by a projectile[5].

The implications extend far beyond immediate disruptions, as carriers are imposing “conflict surcharges” while simultaneously struggling to obtain war risk insurance coverage[5]. Cargo owners face compounding challenges: rising oil prices are being passed through supply chains, freight rates have surged substantially, and the distinction between recoverable delays and constructive total losses under existing insurance policies has become legally ambiguous[5]. For the freight forwarding industry, the situation is particularly acute, as forwarders must navigate conflicting contractual obligations—unable to easily pass surcharges to customers with existing long-term contracts, while Force Majeure clauses are increasingly difficult to invoke given courts’ strict interpretation of such provisions[5].

📉 War risk premiums escalating; some insurers may refuse to underwrite Middle East routes entirely[1]
⚓ Alternative routing around Cape of Good Hope adds 10–14 days per transit leg, intensifying global container shortages[1]
📋 Force Majeure and carrier liberty clauses subject to strict court interpretation; cargo owner recovery uncertain[5]
🌍 Disruption threatens to persist for months; potential for supply chain recovery to extend one to two years post-conflict[1]

Transhipment Hubs Propel Global Port Volumes Up 5.2% in 2025

Transhipment hubs drove global container port throughput growth of 5.2% in 2025, exceeding forecasts and outpacing the 4.7% rise in general container trade, per Alphaliner analysis.

Key beneficiaries included Malaysia’s Tanjung Pelepas with 14.5% growth (1.8 Mteu added, ranking up to 13th), Singapore at 8.6%, and Colombo at 6.5%, fueled by Red Sea diversions and US tariff threats causing cargo redistribution in Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean.

📉 Red Sea closure and liner disruptions
⚓ Surge in Southeast Asian transhipment volumes
📋 US tariff threats spur cargo shifts
🌍 Ongoing Middle East tensions divert trade flows

Strait of Hormuz Closure Devastates Global Oil Trade Following U.S.-Israel Military Action

Following joint U.S.-Israel military strikes on February 28, 2026, the Strait of Hormuz has experienced a near-total collapse in commercial shipping traffic. Daily vessel transits plummeted from approximately 100 ships in February to just six ships per day between March 1-8, with traffic only gradually recovering to eight ships by March 10.[1][3] The strategic waterway now remains virtually closed due to Iranian attacks and threats against vessels, forcing hundreds of commercial tankers—primarily oil and liquefied gas carriers—to anchor outside the strait while awaiting resolution of the crisis.[1]

The disruption carries severe global implications, as the Strait of Hormuz handles approximately 25 percent of the world’s maritime oil trade and processed 20 million barrels per day of crude oil and oil products in 2025.[1][2] Crude loadings from the region have collapsed to 10.5 million barrels per day in March, down sharply from 18.8 million barrels per day in February, while shipping costs have surged dramatically—rates to carry Persian Gulf crude to the Far East increased from $51.42 per metric ton on February 27 to $164.10 per metric ton by March 11.[3] The prolonged closure threatens global energy price stability and economic growth, as approximately 88 percent of all oil leaving the Persian Gulf depends on this narrow passage with no viable alternative routes.[2]

📉 Shipping throughput down 94% with tanker utilization severely constrained; oil price volatility poses sustained economic risk
⚓ Port congestion mounting as 90% of commercial traffic diverted; freight rates tripled in two weeks
📋 International maritime operations suspended pending geopolitical resolution; Insurance and compliance frameworks under strain
🌍 Iran-U.S. escalation threatens global energy security; Gulf-dependent economies face critical export disruptions

EU-India FTA Faces Four Structural Risks to Effectiveness Despite Historic Conclusion

The **European Union** and India finalized a landmark **free trade agreement** (FTA) on 27 January 2026 in New Delhi after nearly 20 years of negotiations, creating a trade zone spanning 25% of global GDP and two billion people[1][2][3]. The deal promises phased tariff reductions on over 96% of goods, €4 billion in annual EU duty savings, and doubled EU exports to India by 2032, boosting sectors like machinery, pharmaceuticals, and services[4][5][6].

Key provisions include liberalized access for EU industrial products (e.g., cars from 110% to 40% tariffs) and Indian textiles, alongside commitments on sustainability, labor rights, and skilled worker mobility, though sensitive agriculture like dairy remains protected[1][3][5]. Despite the optimism, the original news highlights four structural risks—likely unresolved issues in dispute settlement, investment protection, regulatory divergences, and ratification delays—threatening full implementation[3][7].

📉 **Pending dispute mechanisms delay enforcement**
⚓ **Maritime services gains but port congestion risks rise**
📋 **Regulatory gaps and CBAM tensions complicate clearance**
🌍 **Geopolitical shifts aid diversification from China**

Spanish Vehicle Production and Exports Drop Double-Digits in February 2026

Spain’s automotive factories produced 189,095 vehicles in February 2026, marking an 11.3% decline year-over-year, reversing January’s 2.6% gain and contributing to a year-to-date total of 362,501 units, down 5.1%.

Exports fell 12.1% to 157,474 units in February, with a year-to-date drop of 6.3% to 303,757 units, mainly to Europe (93.8% share); passenger cars drove the production slump (-14.1%), while non-plug-in hybrids grew 11.3%, per Anfac data amid factory retooling and weak European demand.

📉 Declining output risks supply chain slowdowns
⚓ Reduced vehicle volumes strain export ports handling 82% of shipments[1]
📋 Calls for EU regulatory clarity on electrification timelines
🌍 Weak demand in key markets Germany/France amid EV transition lag

How AI and Digital Agents Protect Margins in a Volatile Logistics Market

The global supply chain is shifting from cost minimization to risk management amid geopolitical tensions, nearshoring to Central and Eastern Europe, and decarbonization goals, with logistics firms adopting AI-driven platforms like Trans.eu to enhance resilience by 2030.

Europe faces a projected shortage of two million truck drivers by late 2026 and up to 80% cost hikes from CO2-linked tolls, prompting digital agents to automate load publishing, tariff negotiations, and route optimization while providing access to over 41,000 verified carriers for real-time capacity.[1]

📉 Driver shortages and green inflation eroding margins
⚓ New intra-Europe flows straining trucking capacity
📋 CO2 emission tolls adding up to 80% costs on key routes
🌍 Nearshoring to Poland, Romania amid geopolitical shifts

Shanghai Retains Top Spot in 2025 Container Port Rankings with 55.06 Million TEUs

The Port of Shanghai led global container traffic in 2025, handling 55.06 million TEUs—a 6.9% increase from 2024—marking its 16th consecutive year as the world’s busiest port, far ahead of Singapore’s 44.66 million TEUs.[1][2][3]

Key drivers included a 10.6% rise in international transshipment to 7.911 million TEUs, strong growth in Yangshan Deep-Water Port (10.4% up, 52.1% of total volume), and advancements in digital tools like AI stowage and sea-rail intermodal transport exceeding 1 million TEUs (up 16.1%), amid challenges like geopolitical tensions and supply chain shifts.[1][2][3][4]

📉 Minimal operational risk from Shanghai’s proven resilience in volatile conditions
⚓ Boosted freight capacity via efficient transshipment and vessel turnaround
📋 Streamlined customs supporting integrated supply chain responsiveness
🌍 Reinforces China’s hub status amid global trade diversification

IRU Launches Information Hub to Support Road Transport Amid Iran Conflict

The International Road Transport Union (IRU) has launched a dedicated information hub providing real-time alerts, fuel price analysis, and border crossing status updates to assist road transport operators navigating the ongoing war in Iran and Middle East conflict.[1] The initiative responds to severe operational disruptions and volatile fuel prices affecting logistics providers across the region, with the hub offering previously exclusive member resources to the broader industry.[1]

Beyond operational support, the IRU is advocating for government intervention to stabilize the transport sector, calling for measures including strategic oil reserve releases, reduced fuel taxation, streamlined driver visa processes, and simplified border crossing procedures.[1] At the EU level, the organization has specifically requested the European Commission coordinate the release of strategic petroleum reserves and enable temporary flexibility on fuel excise duties to support logistics companies facing crisis conditions.[1]

📉 Trade route disruptions and fuel volatility creating unpredictable operational costs for regional carriers
⚓ Maritime shipping suspended through Strait of Hormuz with insurance premiums spiking hundreds of thousands of dollars per voyage
📋 Border crossing delays and visa restrictions complicating cross-border transport operations
🌍 Middle East geopolitical crisis reshaping global freight corridors and supply chain routing strategies

Iran War Triggers Ocean Surcharges and Strait Disruptions

Iran has intensified attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, and Gulf of Oman, implementing a verification process allowing limited transits for select ships from Iran, China, Pakistan, and India. Carriers like CMA CGM and Maersk initially suspended bookings but now divert Gulf cargo to alternative ports in Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and India via landbridges and shuttles, causing congestion at these hubs and Sri Lanka’s Colombo port.

Container carriers are imposing global emergency fuel surcharges of hundreds of dollars per FEU next week, alongside PSSs and GRIs up to thousands per container on Asia-Europe and transatlantic lanes due to oil price spikes and fuel supply issues. Air cargo faces disruptions from attacks on Gulf hubs like Dubai, spiking rates (e.g., South Asia-Europe up 84% to $4.72/kg), though some stabilization occurs with capacity recovery; rates remain elevated with 5% global capacity offline.[1][2][3][5]

📉 High war risk from Iranian strikes on 20+ vessels
⚓ Diversions build congestion at UAE, Oman, India ports
📋 US warns on crisis surcharges; BCOs resist fees
🌍 Trump seeks naval escorts, delays China summit

Port of Virginia Completes Dredging for US East Coast’s Deepest Channel at 55 Feet

The Port of Virginia has completed channel dredging on February 28 as part of a $450 million project, making it the deepest commercial port on the US East Coast at 55 feet, with post-dredge surveys and maintenance now underway to verify depths and widths.[1][7]

This dredging, started in 2019 and building on 2024 harbor widening, enables two-way traffic for fully loaded ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) without tidal restrictions, forming a core element of the port’s $1.4 billion Gateway Investment Program aimed at reaching 5.8 million TEUs annual capacity by 2027.[1][2][5]

📉 Minimal operational risk as verification nears completion
⚓ Boosts ULCV throughput and efficiency on East Coast
📋 No direct customs impact; standard charting updates required
🌍 Enhances US competitiveness amid global trade shifts

Iran Conflict Drives Up Costs for UK Fruit and Vegetable Producers

British fruit and vegetable producers warn that escalating energy and transport costs tied to the war in Iran could render production unprofitable, threatening domestic supply to the UK market.[1]

UK growers already face mounting pressures from a 5.5% rise in apple production costs to £1.33 per kilo in 2024, labor inflation at 7% annually since 2015, and broader declines in planted areas by 16% over four years, compounded by post-Brexit import controls and prior energy spikes from global conflicts.[1][2][3][5]

📉 Rising costs risk unviable UK production
⚓ Higher freight rates from Iran conflict
📋 Ongoing post-Brexit customs burdens
🌍 War in Iran exacerbates global tensions

CMA CGM Deploys Multimodal Bypass Routes Amid Strait of Hormuz Restrictions

French shipping giant CMA CGM has launched alternative multimodal solutions combining sea, rail, and road transport to circumvent the restricted Strait of Hormuz, ensuring supply chain continuity for Gulf countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.[1][2]

These routes utilize key ports outside the strait such as Khor Fakkan, Fujairah (UAE), Sohar (Oman), and Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), with road and feeder connections to major hubs like Khalifa, Jebel Ali, and Dammam, while prioritizing crew safety amid Iran’s restrictions following attacks on February 28.[1][2][3]

📉 Elevated operational risks from de facto strait closure and shadow fleet transits
⚓ Freight diversions causing port congestion and inland haul constraints at UAE/Oman/Saudi hubs
📋 FMC monitoring surcharges with special permission for expedited tariff changes
🌍 Iran restricts access post-Israel/US attacks, allowing only select nations like China/India[1][2][8][10]

U.S. Rail Freight Volumes Remain Flat Week-on-Week

U.S. rail traffic for the latest reported week totaled 508,737 carloads and intermodal units, marking a modest 1.1% increase year-over-year, with carloads at 228,299 (up 1%) and intermodal at 280,438 (up 1.1%)[1]. Grain shipments led gains at 18.4% week-on-week, followed by petroleum products up 11.3%, while metallic ores/metals fell 8.1% and forest products dropped 8%.

Year-to-date through 10 weeks, U.S. volumes reached 4,977,338 units, up 1.9% y/y, with carloads rising 5% but intermodal down 0.5%, reflecting truckload competition as noted by J.B. Hunt[1]. North American traffic across nine railroads was 699,037 units (up 0.5% y/y), with cumulative 10-week volume up 2.4%[1].

📉 Commodity volatility in grains and metals signals operational risks
⚓ Minimal impact on intermodal ports amid flat volumes
📋 No noted regulatory shifts affecting rail flows
🌍 Stable North American trade supports modest regional growth

Canada Launches Safeguard Investigation into Frozen and Canned Vegetable Imports

Canada initiated a safeguard inquiry on March 16, 2026, into imports of frozen and canned vegetables, following a formal request from the Canadian Association of Vegetable Growers and Processors[1]. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) has been directed to determine whether increased imports of these products are causing or threatening serious injury to domestic producers, with a final report due by September 9, 2026[2]. The investigation covers a broad range of products including corn, peas, green beans, mixed vegetables, beans, and chickpeas in all packaging formats[3].

The inquiry reflects concerns that trade diversion from other markets has resulted in a sudden surge of low-priced imports disrupting the Canadian market[6]. If the CITT finds that imports are a principal cause of injury, it may recommend safeguard measures—such as additional import duties, tariff-rate quotas, or other import restrictions—that could remain in place for up to three years[3]. The government has directed the Tribunal to balance these protective measures against consumer affordability and food security considerations[2]. Interested stakeholders must file notices of participation by April 2, 2026, with hearings scheduled to begin June 15, 2026[6].

📉 Potential tariff increases or quota restrictions could increase costs for importers and retailers of frozen and canned vegetables[3]
⚓ Port activities and import volumes may fluctuate during the 180-day investigation period as businesses adjust strategies[6]
📋 Importers and distributors should file notices of participation to present evidence on operational impacts and help shape remedy design[3]
🌍 Investigation stems from WTO obligations and unforeseen trade diversion as other countries restrict vegetable imports[6]

Brazil’s Differentiated Coffee Exports Lead to US and Germany in 2025

In 2025, the **United States** was the top destination for Brazil’s differentiated coffee exports, with the US and Germany as the only countries receiving over one million 60-kilogram bags of this certified variety, highlighting Brazil’s strength in premium segments despite overall export volume declines.[1][3][4]

**Differentiated coffee**, certified for sustainable practices, superior quality, or special traits, comprised 8.15 million bags or 20.3% of Brazil’s total coffee exports, generating $3.53 billion in revenue amid higher prices, weather challenges, and US tariffs that reduced shipments by 55% during peak periods.[4][1]

📉 **Weather stress and biennial cycles** reduced total volumes by 20.8%[4]
⚓ **Port congestion** caused R$61.47M losses and delayed 681,590 bags[4]
📋 **US 50% tariffs** disrupted flows to key markets until late November[4][3]
🌍 **Trade policy shifts** drove diversification to Mexico, Colombia amid tariffs[3]

Container Port Congestion Eases After Initial Iran Shock

Initial disruptions to container supply chains from the Middle East crisis, including Strait of Hormuz closures and vessel strandings estimated at 1-10% of global capacity, have eased, reducing port congestion at Asian transshipment hubs like Singapore and Jebel Ali.[7][1][3]

Despite the easing, freight rates remain elevated due to ongoing surcharges, rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope adding 10-14 days to voyages, and rising fuel costs from the Iran conflict, with Asia-Europe rates up 6-19% week-on-week.[2][6][1]

📉 Congestion at key ports easing after peak disruptions
⚓ Elevated rates and longer Asia-Europe transits persist
📋 War-risk surcharges applied by major carriers
🌍 Iran conflict strands vessels, risks Red Sea/Suez avoidance

📚 Sources:

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