Maritime transportation makes it possible to import and export products on a global scale. However, the maritime import landscape is constantly changing, imposing challenges that require adaptation and strategic planning. One of these challenges is related to geopolitical movements, some of which evolve into armed conflicts that prevent access to ports and routes. Another important challenge is related to IMO 2023, which brings new rules to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport, among them, for example, the implementation of the Energy Efficiency Index, which could result in an increase in freight costs due to investments in cleaner fuels and efficiency technologies. Next, we will present other challenges of equal importance, as well as tips on how to optimize the costs of a maritime import. Follow along!
Relevance of the maritime modal in the economic context
Around 90% of all the world’s cargo sails the oceans, attesting to their vital role in the global economy. In Brazil, the importance of this mode of transport is revealed in the magnitude of its main ports:
- Portonave, in Santa Catarina, handled 1,327,098 TEUs in 2023, 10% more than in 2022;
- Santos (SP), the largest port complex in Latin America, handled 173 million tons in 2023;
- Paranaguá and Antonina, in the state of Paraná, strategically close to grain-producing hubs, hit a record of 65 million tons last year;
- Suape, in Pernambuco, grew by 6.5% in annual handling, reaching 523,956 TEUs.
Maritime import challenges
Even in seemingly favorable scenarios, maritime imports face a number of complex challenges.
Source: https://br.freepik.com/fotos-gratis/porto-de-navegacao-movimentado-com-comercio-de-contentores-em-acao_134884560.htm Armed conflicts represent significant obstacles, as they force routes to be diverted, resulting in delays, longer distances and additional fuel costs. Economic sanctions also create barriers, as they prevent the transportation of certain strategic products and force the search for longer and more expensive alternatives. Finally, although frequent, climate change affects the dynamics of maritime transport in different ways and at different times. Let’s find out more about some of them:
Drought in the Panama Canal
While we have had several rains in southern Brazil since the second half of 2023 in Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul today, the Panama Canal has suffered one of the biggest droughts in the last 73 years. With a capacity to transit 38 to 40 ships a day, capacity fell to just 18 in February 2024. However, it is expected to return to 100% operation in September of that year.
Pressure from international environmental regulations
Because maritime transport is responsible for more than 20% of the transportation sector’s CO₂ emissions, there is strong pressure for shipowners’ fleets to upgrade to use greener technologies. This is because ship exhaust gases release particles such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx), carbon dioxide (CO₂) and particulate matter, impacting the climate and public health. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2050.
High demand for space taken up by electric cars
After the government announced in November 2023 that the Import Tax for electrified vehicles would be resumed in January 2024, BYD accelerated the shipment of its vehicles to Brazil in order to take advantage of the gradual increase in the Import Tax.
Source: Automotivebussines.com As a result, imported Chinese cars soared by 633%, causing a shortage of space in Brazilian ports, which was exacerbated by the Ibama strike.
In the first few months of this year alone, Espírito Santo has already received 43,000 imported vehicles, compared to 14,000 in the same period in 2022.
Armed conflicts in the Middle East
The war between Israel and Hamas in Palestine is once again causing bottlenecks in the Suez Canal and the Red Sea Canal, through which approximately 30% of the world’s container traffic takes place.
These maritime import routes have faced significant disruptions due to attacks by Houthi forces from Yemen, who have declared that they will not stop as long as Israel attacks Palestine. These militants have used advanced weaponry such as hijackings, ballistic missiles, anti-ship missiles and drones to attack international shipping routes.
The incident that marked the beginning of these attacks took place on November 19, 2023, with the hijacking of the cargo ship Galaxy Leader by Houthi forces, who redirected it to the port of Hodeidah in Yemen, holding the crew.
Since then, more than 33 ships have been attacked in the region, with 16 of them directly hit by missiles or drones.
In response to these growing tensions, the United States and the United Kingdom launched Operation Prosperity Guardian on December 18, 2023, with the aim of protecting maritime navigation and guaranteeing the flow of trade. The European Union also launched Operation Aspis on February 19, 2024.
Despite these efforts, the Houthis continue to attack and it is estimated that this conflict will last until 2024.
Source: https://br.freepik.com/fotos-gratis/peoes-no-globo-do-mundo-com-fundo-azul_26559585.htm
Increased freight and less availability of containers
Both the high demand for electric cars and the conflicts in the Red Sea are contributing to an increase in the price of sea freight and a reduction in the availability of containers.
By avoiding the Suez Canal and sailing around the Cape of Good Hope (bypassing Africa), the transit time goes up, along with the cost of fuel and the time the containers are used at sea for transportation.
So much so that the sector’s capacity between Asia and Europe will be reduced by up to 20% in the second quarter of this year, which will naturally affect the ships involved in Brazilian imports and exports.
Tips for optimizing my maritime import costs
Planning stock and demand according to seasonality in advance is necessary, as it allows you to anticipate market fluctuations and guarantee more advantageous freight rates.
It is also interesting to seek diversification of buyers and sellers in order to explore different maritime routes, which also provides flexibility to circumvent bottlenecks and mitigate regional risks.
Using other transportation options, such as LCL sea transport to import from other suppliers on different routes and in smaller quantities, in order to keep stock stocked, air transport and road transport in South America, can work as a “plan B” without influencing costs so much.
In addition, the adoption of integrated technologies in the maritime logistics chain alongside purchasing, sales and warehousing management can provide more comprehensive visibility, making it possible to identify opportunities, price accurately and make agile decisions to improve efficiency and profitability.
Efficient maritime imports are with Línea
Línea is your strategic partner for efficient maritime imports. We offer customized solutions to optimize costs and deadlines, adapting to market fluctuations.
Our dedicated follow-up guarantees detailed monitoring of every stage of your cargo’s transportation. Reliability and safety are our pillars, and we are prepared to face any adversity.
Línea is your experienced and reliable partner, able to guide your cargo efficiently through global challenges and maximize profitability.
Get in touch with our experts to find out about the solutions that will provide the most favorable conditions for your maritime imports.
