Rhenus has reported a more than 30 percent year-on-year increase in its export volumes between Spain and Latin America in 2026, with air freight recording particularly strong growth of 35.1 percent.
The logistics provider said the increase covers both air and ocean freight and reflects a broader expansion of Spanish companies into Latin American markets. According to Rhenus’ own volume data, Spain is currently one of the best-performing European markets in its network on the trade corridor.
The trend comes as the European Union-Mercosur Agreement, which entered provisional application in May 2026, could further reduce trade barriers between the two regions and provide additional momentum to trade flows.
“Behind these figures lies a very clear reality: more and more Spanish companies are making Latin America part of their growth strategies. The simultaneous increase in both air and ocean freight volumes demonstrates that their trade activity is strengthening steadily,” said Monica Ruebenkoenig, Route Development Manager at Rhenus Air & Ocean.
She added that the EU-Mercosur Agreement could reinforce the positive momentum already visible across the corridor.
“The EU-Mercosur Agreement has the potential to reinforce the positive momentum we are already observing. For many Spanish companies, Latin America is becoming an increasingly relevant destination for trade and investment, and greater economic integration could unlock new possibilities for businesses across Europe while strengthening ties between the two regions,” she said.
Spain’s long-established economic, cultural and business ties with Latin America are also seen as an advantage for European trade with the region. Industrial activity remains a major driver of these flows, with raw materials and chemicals accounting for more than 60 percent of Rhenus’ ocean export volumes to Latin America.
Rhenus also pointed to a change in the profile of Spanish companies expanding into the region. While large multinational groups remain active, an increasing number of mid-sized industrial companies are now making Latin America part of their international growth strategies.
“As these businesses expand across multiple markets, their logistics requirements are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Companies are demanding greater visibility, stronger supply chain control, faster responses to disruptions and, importantly, the ability to scale their operations without having to redesign their logistics setup country by country,” said Marc Ortega, Head of Sales Spain at Rhenus Air & Ocean.
Rhenus provides freight forwarding, customs services, warehousing and end-to-end supply chain management across Europe and Latin America.
The company positions Spain as a strategic bridge between the two regions, which operate under different business environments, regulatory frameworks and market dynamics. The growing trade volumes, it said, are increasing the importance of logistics solutions capable of supporting companies as they expand across both markets.
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