Category Archives: Industria alimentaria

In recent days, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce has imposed new temporary tariffs of between 20% and 62.5% on European Union (EU) companies working with pork products, but also on other sectors such as brandy and dairy products.

This measure comes in response to the taxes that Brussels has imposed on Chinese electric cars, demanding tariffs of up to 35.3% and denouncing unfair pricing practices by Chinese manufacturers.

In response, Beijing has opened an anti-dumping investigation into unfair competition in the market. Therefore, for those companies that cooperate in the investigation, the tariff will be 20%, and for those that do not, it will be up to 62.4% on pork products.

What is dumping?

Dumping occurs when a country exports products to another country at a price below fair market value, which can cause damage to the domestic industry of the importing country.

Impact on Spain

Until now, Spain had a 12% tariff, which has been increased by 20% to 32% (the lowest rate) compared to the rest of the European Union countries. This trade war may affect Spanish companies that trade in this type of pork products, as 20% of their exports in 2024 were destined for the Asian market.

In this scenario of tariff tension, Smart Logistics, an international freight forwarder that is part of the logistics division of Grupo Alonso, may also be affected due to the shipment of goods to the Asian giant.

Grupo Alonso’s presence in China

Grupo Alonso has offices in China under the Alonso Forwarding China brand, which allows it to have direct contact with one of the world’s main trade centers and a close relationship with exporters and importers.
However, the future of trade relations will remain uncertain until tariff tensions between countries are eased.

The food sector is a key industry in the international market and one of the most influential in global economic progress. This makes it a major driving force for developed and growing countries. In Spain, the volume of agri-food and fisheries exports reached a record high in 2023, exceeding 70,000 million euros, 16% of the country’s total foreign trade.

Even so, this market remains highly stressed by high costs, exacerbated by various geopolitical tensions, the effects of drought and extreme weather events. To mitigate these challenges, companies like Smart Logistics are working hard to provide innovative logistics solutions that drive efficiency and sustainability throughout the supply chain.

Smart Logistics strengthens its position as a cold logistics specialist

As an integrated logistics operator, Smart Logistics handles all types of temperature-controlled goods transport. The company has advanced services and techniques that guarantee high quality in the cold sector, such as Cold Treatment, an innovative real-time temperature control system that guarantees the integrity of the cargo at all times.

Smart Logistics’ commitment to excellence in food logistics is reflected in its active participation in key industry events such as Seafood Barcelona, the world’s largest seafood event, attended by buyers and professionals from over 150 countries. As well as Alimentaria Barcelona, the major trade fair platform for the food, beverage, foodservice and hospitality equipment industry, with exhibitors from 68 countries.

These fairs are an invaluable springboard for networking, knowledge sharing and keeping abreast of the latest trends and developments in the industry, thus strengthening the company’s position as a leader in the food market.

Innovation and digitalisation in the food sector

The food industry is currently undergoing a digital transformation that involves new production and distribution processes. New technologies and artificial intelligence are being integrated into the food industry through the use of robots in facilities and warehouses, automation in transport processes and courses on digitisation.

The evolution of this strategic sector has the potential to contribute to the ecological transition and to generate a tractor effect for employment, growth, productivity and innovation in the business fabric.