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Due to the diversification of the global supply chain, there is a boom in investment in ports and logistics facilities in South America, which is rapidly emerging as a major production hub.
Rhenus Group: Acquires a South American forwarder (BLU Logistics) and acquires a large stake in a port agency based in six South American countries
Hellmann Logistics: Integration of North and South American business units in July 2022, selection of key tasks for development of logistics services in South America
DHL: Announced plan to invest approximately $551 million by 2028 in building fulfillment centers and infrastructure in South America
Hapag-Lloyd: Secured shares in 10 container terminals in South America through acquisition of Chilean terminal operator (Saam)
Maersk: Investing $500 million and $700 million, respectively, in Brazil’s Suape Terminal and four other terminals and inland warehouses
In particular, demand for fresh food from South America (Peru, Chile) and Europe appears to be relatively greater than that from North America. Accordingly, in the second quarter of this year, a total of 43 ships were operated on routes connecting South America-Europe-Mediterranean, a slight increase compared to the second quarter of 2019 (39 ships), and the number of routes also increased to 5-6 compared to the same period in 2019. Appears to have been additionally expanded
Meanwhile, according to CTS data, the cumulative container export volume from Central and South America to North America from January to July 2023 was 1.45 million TEU, a decrease of 6.6% compared to the same period last year, but the number of refurbished containers was 522,434 TEU, slightly exceeding the same period of the previous year. The second quarter supply of South America-North America services recorded 395,572 TEU, a 6.8% increase compared to 4 years ago (JOC 2023/09/25)
Excerpt from Alphanier & CTS data