Companies around the world are paying close attention to the ongoing trade tension scenario, which seems far from over, with the United States imposing tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese products, and China retaliating with equally high rates of 125% on American products. In total, 180 countries are being impacted by theratesCommercials announced in early April by U.S. President Donald Trump. Brazil was not spared and was affected by a 10% tariff in some sectors and 25% on domestic steel, one of the main materials the country exports to the Americans.
Even though Brazil had one of the lowest rates applied, the reaction in the production chain is real and impacts Brazilian logistics. In the automotive industry, for example, automakers like Stellantis, which owns the Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge brands,paralyzedtemporarily (until the end of April) the production line of their factories in Mexico and Canada. The decision can also have repercussions on American plants that supply components for these units.
According to emergency logistics specialist Marcelo Zeferino, CCO of Prestex, the truth is that the industry as a whole has sounded the alarm on both ends: "On one side, the biggest partner for the sale of industrialized products in Brazil is the USA, and with a 10% rate, competitiveness must be lost; on the other side, there is the biggest competitor of the Brazilian industry, China, which could shift its production to Brazil, further intensifying competition in the domestic market," he explains.
According to the specialist, in the middle of this "board" are the logistics operators who transport the cargo, components, parts, machinery, grains, medicines, clothing, and consumer goods. "The real impact of this scenario will only be measured when prices stabilize. At that moment, uncertainty weakens the industry and harms the market, which does not know whether it needs to be more aggressive and stock up or wait, counting on a decrease in tariffs later on," highlights the executive.Prestex.
But, for Marcelo Zeferino, it is necessary to see the glass half full and turn difficulty into opportunity. He recalls that in the automotive sector, China does not have a factory in Brazil and the logistics of parts, components, machinery, the so-called logistics ofspare parts(spare parts management) will become very relevant. One thing is certain: the stock will be even morejust in time, demanding a more personalized and assertive logistics, with high performance, so that the supply chain has flexibility in service. Some American companies are even preemptively purchasing manufactured products from Brazil. "Logistics operators that are prepared to meet emergency demands will get ahead," emphasizes the CCO.
Specialized in emergency B2B logistics, with 22 years in the market, thePrestexIt serves all segments and closely monitors the movement of the pieces in this strategic game of commercial chess among industries. "We already have standby aircraft and predefined strategies to quickly meet the companies' demands. The coming weeks will be decisive," he concludes.
The bet on the air mode by Prestex is due to agility, safety, global coverage, the possibility of alternative routes, and rigorous safety procedures, which minimize the risks of losses and damages. The executive recalls that the air mode's share in domestic freight transportation still accounts for about 3%, while abroad it already reaches 6%.
It is certain that the logistics sector and delivery agility play a fundamental role in business operations and the country's economic development, reflecting in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and job creation. According to the Brazilian Association of Logistics Operators (ABOL), the sector represents1,8%of the national GDP and is responsible for 2.3% of the total employed people in the country.
The final analysis by Prestex's executive is that the tariff increase presents both substantial challenges and opportunities for Brazilian logistics. "Strategic vision, combined with technology, flexibility, and the ability to adapt quickly, can elevate Brazil to a key role in global logistics, capturing the benefits of a changing economic environment," concludes Marcelo Zeferino.
