Rhenus recently reported that its export volumes from Spain to Latin America rose over 30% year-on-year in 2026, spanning both air and ocean freight. Spain is therefore one of its strongest-performing European markets, with this particular trade corridor reflecting the deepening economic, cultural and business ties between the regions. Industrial commodities remain central to this growth: raw materials and chemicals constitute over 60% of ocean export volumes to Latin America, for example.
The surge comes as the EU-Mercosur Agreement entered provisional application in MAY26, a development expected to lower trade barriers and open further opportunities for global businesses. Rhenus also noted a shift in who is driving this expansion: alongside large multinationals, the number of Spanish mid-sized industrial firms that are now including Latin America in their growth plans, is on the rise, and therefore looking for reliable supply chains able to provide transparency, flexibility and scalability. Hence, Rhenus’ broad portfolio of freight forwarding, customs services, warehousing and full supply chain management is attractive to businesses on both sides.
Monica Ruebenkoenig, Route Development Manager at Rhenus Air & Ocean, concluded: “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. The EU-Mercosur Agreement has the potential to reinforce the positive momentum we are already observing […] between the two regions. Spain has unique advantages when it comes to developing trade with Latin America. Cultural and linguistic proximity certainly play a role, but so does the ability to connect different business environments and help companies operate seamlessly across both sides of the Atlantic. The figures we are seeing today may be just the beginning of a broader growth trend in both Europe and Latin America as companies seek new markets and more diversified and resilient supply chains.”
Marc Ortega, Head of Sales Spain at Rhenus Air & Ocean, explained: “What we are seeing is that Latin America is becoming a natural part of the growth strategy of many Spanish companies, not only large multinationals but also mid-sized industrial businesses. 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.”
