Image:Suardiaz Group
In recent months, the fashion industry has seen dramatic changes in its import and export dynamics, leading to a notable increase in the use of air freight. This shift has been driven by ongoing disruptions in maritime routes, such as those in the Red Sea, compelling companies to choose faster and more reliable alternatives, albeit at higher costs.
During the first half of 2024, fashion imports by air reached a value of €1.558 billion, marking a 20.9% increase compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, maritime transport saw a decline of 8.8% from 2023. This trend highlights the growing need for fashion operators to ensure dependable delivery times, which poses new challenges for logistics companies in this sector.
In this evolving environment, companies like Suardiaz Group are positioning themselves as key players, offering comprehensive solutions that span maritime, air, and land transport, as well as storage and quality control services in customs warehouses.
Challenges and Perspectives in the Sector
The logistics sector dedicated to the fashion industry faces numerous challenges in the coming years. Arturo Fernandez, Commercial Director at Suardiaz Group, points out, “Like many other sectors, dealing with the uncertainty caused by conflicts around the world poses a real challenge, impacting both the availability of safe routes and operational costs.”
International tensions not only affect the security and efficiency of the world’s major trade routes, but rising costs of raw materials and fuels also pose significant challenges for the present and future of the sector. These increases have a direct impact on both product prices and freight transportation costs.
Fernandez also emphasizes that “state and European regulations on tariffs and merchandise distribution result in new challenges and difficulties that the main logistics operators must face.” This regulatory landscape requires logistics companies to be agile and adaptable, balancing compliance with efficiency.
Sustainability, Commitment, and Competitiveness
Sustainability throughout the entire value chain has become a significant concern for fashion consumers in recent years. Reflecting this shift, Suardiaz Group has based its strategy on a commitment to sustainable development in its operations and the environments in which it operates. “The fashion sector is no exception,” says Fernandez. “In this regard, Suardiaz is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, and the company’s management reaffirms its support for the ten principles of this agreement.”
The group, which employs over a thousand workers and has more than thirty offices across six countries, has 75 years of experience in the sector and operates on five continents. It has implemented an Integrated Management System (IMS) based on various ISO standards concerning key aspects like quality, environmental management, and emissions control. This approach ensures that their activities align with these standards.
In its commitment to service quality and environmental respect, Suardiaz is determined to actively promote sustainability policies to ensure that their services meet client requirements without sacrificing competitiveness.
Source:Moedaes
