Letter from the Chief Executive Officer

The balance of April and the outlook for May 2025 bring us face to face with a clear reality: logistics in Spain is going through a cycle of expansion with extraordinary opportunities, but also with tensions that require strategic vision, resilience and the ability to adapt. As CEO of Logistics Express, I would like to share with you our reading of the market and the path we have mapped out for sustainable growth.

Balance of the previous month

In April, major logistics investments were confirmed. The Baraka project in Antequera stands out, consolidating this enclave as one of the main hubs in the Iberian Peninsula. Cadena SER reported the acquisition of logistics land for new generation platforms, which anticipates growing competition in Andalusia and a strategic pole for multimodal transport.

At the same time, the pressure on logistics talent is intensifying. El Economista estimated that Spain will need between 11,500 and 17,500 new professionals in the coming years. This figure reflects a structural challenge: the gap between the growing digitalization of the sector and the real availability of profiles prepared to manage it.

On the regulatory front, environmental adjustments continue. Emissions regulations and standards for clean urban transport are advancing in Brussels and Madrid, while in the customs area, the NCTS Phase 5 system and the AES continue to be implemented, with documentary and control adjustments that generate additional requirements for operators.

Finally, the geopolitical environment once again put pressure on maritime trade: the United States announced the decision to prioritize the port of Tangier-Med over Algeciras. Diario AS reported the implications of this move, which could displace traffic, modify costs and force Spanish operators to rethink strategic routes.

Impact on Logistics Express

At Logistics Express, these factors are forcing us to make a move in three key dimensions:

• Territorial expansion: we explore investment opportunities in platforms close to strategic nodes (Antequera, Valencia, Algeciras) to expand capacity and strengthen our multimodal network.
• Talent: we have activated internal continuous training programs, agreements with logistics vocational training schools and plans to attract young talent. We want to become a benchmark company for those seeking stability and professional development in logistics.
• Resilience in the face of maritime tensions: we are closely monitoring the effects of the US decision on Tangier-Med and its impact on Algeciras. We are diversifying maritime suppliers and strengthening the connection with alternative ports to guarantee continuity to our customers.

Ceuta

Ceuta is still awaiting the evolution of trade customs with Morocco. The lack of clear progress forces Logistics Express to maintain maritime routes as the main alternative and to offer agile documentary solutions for clients who depend on this enclave.

Melilla

Melilla is benefiting from the gradual progress in the customs opening with Morocco. Although it is still incipient, we are working with clients to prepare standardized procedures that will enable us to capture market share when the flow normalizes.

Gibraltar

In Gibraltar, regulatory uncertainty continues, but we are preparing with adaptive plans. The challenge will be to accompany clients in an environment where customs policy depends on still open negotiations.

Balearic and Canary Islands

On the islands, the possible definitive consolidation between Baleària and Armas continues to rearrange routes and rates. Logistics Express is negotiating with operators to guarantee stable capacity and competitive rates in both archipelagos.

Personal and business vision

Logistics expansion is not an end in itself: it must be sustainable, humane and strategic. Personally, I believe that the challenge of talent is as important as that of infrastructure. Without trained and motivated people, no logistics platform is truly competitive.

My commitment is to ensure that Logistics Express grows not only in square meters of warehouse space, but also in human capital, trust and resilience.

Looking to the future

In the coming months, our priorities will be:

• Invest in strategic nodes that reinforce our multimodal network in the south and east of the peninsula.
• Attracting and training talent through our own programs and educational partnerships.
• Adapting to maritime changes resulting from the prioritization of Tangier-Med over Algeciras.
• Comply with new environmental requirements without losing competitiveness.

Spanish logistics is undergoing a transformation and Logistics Express wants to be part of this change. Contact us here to discuss projects, partnerships or customized solutions.

Dirk Manuel Martens Jiménez
General Manager - Logistics Express