Dear business leaders and industry colleagues,
Strategic Logistics September 2025 places us before a new reality. September marks the end of the summer pause and the start of planning for the most decisive stretch of the year. Recent geopolitical changes — particularly in the Strait — are no longer just news items; they are operational realities that define our sector. The first impact report on the Gibraltar treaty has given us a dose of realism: growth is clear, but complexity and costs are also rising. In a context of weaker global demand, efficiency is no longer optional — it is the only path forward. Today, I want to focus on this new customs model and on how, at Logistics Express, we are turning these challenges into real opportunities.
“In modern logistics, true innovation is not about moving a box faster — it is about eliminating the invisible friction that slows it down. Today, much of that friction is customs-related.”
The Sector Pulse: Landing the Strategic Logistics of September 2025
September has allowed us to analyse with real data what were previously only projections. The normalisation of the Red Sea route and stable fuel prices give us some operational breathing room. However, the report from the Campo de Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce is the key news: a 20% increase in goods flows is a fantastic opportunity, but an 8% rise in operating costs tells us that many companies are not making the most of it. Bureaucracy, new levies and adaptation to joint systems are squeezing margins, directly impacting the competitiveness of every player in the field.
This is where expert customs management becomes a direct profitability factor. The new Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) agreement between Morocco and the EU is another perfect example. It is not just a simplification of procedures; it is a competitive advantage for companies — like ours — that hold this certification and can offer their clients faster, more secure border crossings.
The Logistics Compass: The Strait’s Customs Ecosystem in September 2025
Gibraltar: From Growth to Customs Optimisation
The impact report confirms what we anticipated: without an expert partner, the new status can be a bureaucratic maze. We are actively working with our clients to improve their processes, review tariff classifications and use technology to streamline passage through the joint customs, turning that 8% surcharge into an improvement opportunity within their integrated logistics.
Ceuta and Melilla: Urgent Strategic Redefinition
The convening of the working group to define the future of Ceuta and Melilla is a crucial step. The “Gibraltar effect” demands a clear response. Our position — which we will convey in the relevant forums — is that both cities must strengthen their value as specialised logistics platforms, with a fiscal and customs regime that not only compensates for the challenges but actively attracts new investment.
Canary Islands: Smart Customs and September 2025 Logistics
The archipelago continues to lead on innovation. The new AI system for customs inspection at Canary Islands ports is the future. This means faster clearance for those whose documentation is in perfect order, but also more precise inspections. Our investment in digitalisation ensures that our clients’ goods meet the new requirements, guaranteeing maximum flow.
Preparing for Demand: Warehouse Efficiency to the Last Mile
While the south redefines itself, preparation for the peak season has already begun. The report alerting to a shortage of quality warehouse space is an unambiguous signal: planning is everything. We have optimised our warehouse network to offer flexible solutions in response to the scarcity of prime logistics space. Securing capacity before the demand peak and managing multimodal transport efficiently are the strategic priorities.
Furthermore, the consolidation of online sales during the “back to school” period has taught us a valuable lesson: reverse logistics is now as important as delivery. We have reinforced our systems to manage returns quickly and cost-effectively — a service that will be critical during Black Friday and the Christmas campaign in e-commerce.
The Immediate Horizon: From Adaptation to Anticipation
September has been a month of adaptation to the new reality. October must be the month of anticipation. The passage of the Sustainable Mobility Act and RENFE Mercancías’s plans reinforce the need to integrate rail transport and multimodal solutions into our supply chains.
I invite you not to view the changes in Gibraltar, Ceuta, Melilla or the Canary Islands as isolated problems, but as pieces of a new game board. Now is the time to review your customs and logistics operations. I encourage you to contact our team of specialists to carry out a diagnostic and together design a strategy that does not merely adapt, but anticipates the challenges and opportunities of this new era.
Yours sincerely,
MJ
Managing Director – Logistics Express