Success Requires Coverage, Consistent Standards, and Resilience

Q: How did the acquisition of Blu Logistics strengthen your position in the Mexican market? 
A: The acquisition of Blu Logistics in September 2023 significantly strengthened our position in the Mexican market by building on the foundation we laid with the opening of our Mexico branch in 2020. This earlier entry allowed Rhenus to establish a local presence and begin developing market-specific capabilities. This move significantly strengthened Rhenus Logistics’ position in the region, building on its earlier entry efforts. With Blu Logistics’ 30 years of regional expertise, we were able to accelerate growth by integrating their local expertise with our global network, expand services, open new trade lanes, access a broader client base, and introduce advanced technologies. This combination enhances Mexico’s integration into both regional and global trade flows.

Q: What role does Mexico play in the company’s overall operations? 
A: Mexico plays a central role in Rhenus Logistics’ strategy for Latin America. While we already hold leadership positions in markets such as Colombia, Ecuador, and Argentina, Mexico offers one of the largest opportunities for growth in the region. Its strong economic performance and dynamic trade flows make it a natural hub for expanding our services. That is why we are prioritizing significant investments, new initiatives, and dedicated resources to strengthen our presence in the country. For us, Mexico is not just another market, it is a strategic pillar for long-term growth and integration into global trade. 

Q: How has the launch of Rhenus Beyond Borders helped to simplify North American trade? 
A: Since the launch of Rhenus Beyond Borders in February, we have seen strong interest from clients on both sides of the border. The initiative is supported by our facilities in the United States, which allow us to offer cross-docking and other value-added services that simplify trade flows. Demand has been especially strong in markets like Monterrey, where companies are looking not only for efficient cargo movement but also for reliable partners that provide security and hold the right certifications. Ensuring safe and compliant operations has become one of the most critical components of this service.

Q: Which industries in Mexico are generating the strongest demand for logistics services?
A: This year, retail has been one of our strongest sectors, particularly for trade flows with Asia, where we provide tailored logistics solutions. At the same time, we have expanded significantly in the automotive industry, driven by demand from the European Union and strengthened by Rhenus Logistics’ global integration. We are also seeing growing activity in food products and raw materials, especially in trade within Latin America. With our expanded presence across eight countries in the region, we can now offer end-to-end services that connect these industries more efficiently across our own network.

Q: How have trade tensions influenced demand for services between Asia and Mexico?
A: Global trade is moving in a context of constant volatility, with shifts in strategy driven by tensions like the US-China trade dispute. In this environment, companies need logistics partners with a broad portfolio and the ability to adapt quickly. We have seen Brazilian exporters, for example, diversifying toward Mexico to reduce dependence on the United States. Meanwhile, Mexican companies are increasingly exploring new markets in the European Union, especially Spain, without losing sight of the United States, which remains Mexico’s key partner.

At the same time, intra-regional trade is gaining relevance. Just as Asia has strong intra-Asia flows, Latin America is showing similar dynamics. Mexico is emerging as a major supplier within the region, with significant exports to countries like Colombia and Peru.

Q: What is still missing to truly build stronger alignment between Latin American markets and unlock their full potential?
A: Latin American markets already share strong cultural ties and favorable trade agreements that support integration. What is missing is addressing infrastructure gaps and overcoming logistical inefficiencies that often make intra-regional trade costly. To fully unlock this potential, the region needs better infrastructure and reliable logistics providers capable of offering seamless, end-to-end services across the region.

Q: Which modes of transport are experiencing the strongest growth, and how do they shape Mexico’s role in global trade?
A: Maritime transport continues to grow, driven both by economic efficiency and sustainability, as most global trade still moves by sea. Mexico has been investing in port infrastructure, though capacity remains at times below the country’s needs, leading to congestion despite ongoing improvements.

Asia remains the primary supplier for global trade, especially for the retail sector, while the automotive industry is increasingly linked not only to Asia but also to the European Union. In the United States, demand is highly diverse and largely shaped by tariffs and trade measures that impact specific commodities and industries.

Overall, globalization has created supply chains that are no longer tied to a single region but instead spread across multiple markets, requiring flexible logistics solutions that adapt to shifting trade dynamics.

Q: How is Rhenus Logistics enhancing its global network and digital capabilities to provide the visibility and flexibility that customers now demand?
A: Modern clients expect much more than simply moving goods from point A to point B. They are looking for full visibility, stability, and flexibility across the entire supply chain. What matters most is not whether the service is maritime, air, or road, but rather working with a provider that can integrate these modes within its own global network, maintain full operational control, and deliver consistent visibility.

Q: How are tariffs affecting trade flows across North America, and how has the company adapted its services to address clients' evolving needs? 
A: Clients are learning to operate in an environment defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Recent US tariff adjustments, such as the 90-day suspension on certain China-US tariffs, demonstrate how quickly market conditions can shift. These measures do not just affect flows between the United States and China, they create ripple effects across Mexico and the entire west coast of Latin America.

For companies, the challenge is to react swiftly to these changes, identify short-term opportunities, and mitigate risks. That is why strategic partnerships are critical. Rhenus Logistics focuses on helping clients navigate uncertainty, adapt quickly, and safeguard supply chain resilience through flexible and reliable solutions.

Q: What initiatives is Rhenus pursuing to decarbonize overland transport, and how do you reconcile this ambition with cost pressures from clients? 
A: Sustainability has shifted from being a “nice-to-have” to a core business requirement in Latin America. Five to 10 years ago, these discussions were largely limited to developed markets, but now clients in Mexico and across the region are making real decisions based on environmental impact because it strengthens their supply chains and opens access to new markets, especially in the European Union.

Rhenus Logistics goes beyond simply measuring carbon footprints. We provide clients with comparative tools that show how different transport modes, carriers, and equipment configurations directly affect emissions. This allows them to make informed choices not only on cost and transit times but also on sustainability outcomes.

We are also bringing sustainable infrastructure practices from the European Union into Latin America. For example, we have distribution centers in Colombia equipped with solar power and green certifications. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to offering clients practical alternatives that reduce emissions and enhance the overall sustainability profile of their supply chains.

Q: How is Rhenus Logistics fostering strategic, long-term partnerships with clients in Mexico to accelerate the adoption of new technologies and practices?
A: The decision to implement new technologies or initiatives in each country depends on market readiness and client needs. In markets like Mexico, the key is showing customers that what may seem like a large upfront investment can deliver strong returns and position them at a global standard.

Our focus is on educating customers about emerging technologies, new ways of operating, and the long-term value these bring. Equally important is shifting relationships from being purely transactional to more strategic and collaborative. By building long-term partnerships and aligning on shared goals, we can help customers plan two, three, or even four years ahead, ensuring they adopt solutions that drive competitiveness and sustainable growth.

Q: How is Rhenus Logistics shaping its global strategy to ensure long-term resilience and value creation for clients in this increasingly volatile landscape?
A: The future of logistics lies in consolidation and the ability to provide truly global solutions supported by digital technologies. Customers increasingly expect full visibility and standardized services across regions, so logistics providers must be prepared to react quickly to shifts in sourcing and market disruptions.

In this environment of volatility, companies will need reliable partners with long-term strategies, not just short-term financial goals. Success will depend on building networks that offer global coverage, consistent standards, and the resilience to help clients implement contingency plans and adapt to changing trade flows. This is exactly what Rhenus is focused on delivering.

Q: What specific investments or service expansions does Rhenus Logistics plan to prioritize in Mexico during 2026 to sustain this momentum?
A: Looking ahead, our main objective is to continue expanding in Mexico and across Latin America. Over the past five years, Rhenus has successfully integrated its global network across Latin America, resulting in stronger supplier relationships, adding new services, and positioning Latin America as a strategic priority within the group.

Despite market volatility, we anticipate closing the year with a solid performance, growth in volumes, new trade routes, and service diversification. For example, we have expanded airfreight from the European Union, Asia, and North America, and increased volumes on EU-Mexico routes by nearly 20%. In North America, cross-border trade remains dominant, but airfreight within the region and toward Latin America is showing solid momentum.

In 2026, we plan to build on this foundation by deepening integration with Rhenus’ global network, expanding service offerings, and further strengthening Mexico’s role as a regional growth hub. Our focus will be on scalable solutions that help customers navigate volatility while capturing new opportunities in global trade flows.