By Érika Sáenz, Commercial Manager at International Line
The logistics and international transport sector in Chile is at a pivotal moment. In a global context marked by economic volatility, regulatory changes, and the need for greater efficiency, companies engaged in foreign trade face the challenge of adapting quickly and leading an urgent transformation.
One of the main challenges is cost fluctuation, driven by instability in maritime rates and surcharges due to port congestion. This has created uncertainty for both importers and exporters, complicating operational and financial planning.
Port infrastructure is also a critical issue. The ports of Valparaíso and San Antonio, the country’s main logistics hubs, are operating at the limit of their capacity. However, there are positive signs: recently, the board of CAF-Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean approved a US$150 million loan for the San Antonio Port Authority, which will enable progress on the Outer Port project and improve infrastructure in the long term.
Another relevant aspect is regulatory compliance. New environmental and customs regulations, such as the emissions reduction driven by the IMO 2023-2024, are raising operational standards and costs for shipping companies and logistics operators.
Additionally, there is a digital gap in many companies in the sector. The adoption of technologies like PO Management platforms, which enable real-time traceability and visibility of shipments, is still nascent. Digital transformation is no longer optional: it is an urgent necessity for competitiveness.
Lastly, global trade tensions and tariff policies could impact strategic markets like the United States, particularly in agricultural, wine, and mineral exports.
Reinvention, a strategic opportunity
In this challenging context, 2025 presents itself as a strategic opportunity. To address these challenges, the industry must move toward a new operational logic. At International Line, we identify four key pillars for the sector’s reinvention:
Integrated services: clients need more than just transport. Implementing solutions like PO Management, coordination from origin, and inventory control saves costs and time, increasing customer satisfaction.
Digital transformation: investing in artificial intelligence, process automation, IoT, and blockchain will improve traceability and reduce errors, facilitating regulatory compliance and control of the logistics chain.
Sustainability: adapting to new environmental regulations through clean fuels, energy efficiency, and optimized routes is not only mandatory but also an opportunity to stand out.
Regional alliances: strengthening collaborations with logistics operators in neighboring countries like Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia can enhance coverage, optimize costs, and open new land and maritime trade routes.
Companies must adapt quickly to maintain their competitiveness. In this regard, the trends shaping this transformation include market diversification, a focus on customer experience, cost optimization and pricing models, and adaptability.
Thus, despite the challenges, the outlook is not bleak but rather an invitation to innovate and grow. Chile is taking firm steps to strengthen its logistics infrastructure and its position in global trade. Companies that embrace technological transformation, adopt sustainable models, and focus on offering integrated solutions will be at the forefront of this new logistics era.
The truth is, we are at a turning point where companies that anticipate and evolve will make the difference.
