Maersk: logistics volatility becomes structural challenge for Latin America in 2026

Volatility has become a defining feature of logistics across Latin America as 2026 gets underway, reshaping supply chain planning and operational strategies throughout the region. According to the Maersk Latin America Market Update – January 2026, what was once treated as temporary disruption is now a structural condition, driven by geopolitical tensions, macroeconomic uncertainty and increasingly complex regulatory environments.

For exporters, importers and logistics operators, decisions related to transport and distribution now go far beyond freight rates. Service reliability, inventory exposure and business continuity have moved to the center of strategic planning, reinforcing the need for more resilient and integrated logistics networks across Latin America.

Global trade tensions translate into local logistics impacts

The update highlights that shifts in global trade dynamics are having immediate consequences for Latin American supply chains. New tariff measures between major economies, climate-related disruptions such as droughts affecting the Panama Canal, and regulatory changes in key markets like the European Union are resulting in longer transit times, route adjustments and higher cost volatility.

Latin America’s strong exposure to international trade, combined with infrastructure constraints that limit short-term flexibility, often amplifies these effects. When key maritime corridors are disrupted or trade rules change, regional supply chains tend to feel the impact for longer periods, with fewer alternative routings available.

At the same time, structural trends are reshaping trade flows. Nearshoring and regionalization continue to gain traction, particularly in Central America, where manufacturing investment is accelerating and exports to the United States are expected to grow. Major economies such as Brazil and Chile are diversifying both products and destinations, while the region’s e-commerce market is projected to exceed US$200 billion by 2026, increasing pressure on ports, customs and inland logistics.

End-to-end integration gains momentum

According to the Maersk update, operational complexity remains a core challenge in Latin America, shaped by long inland distances, capacity constraints at ports and uneven digital maturity across logistics ecosystems. Fragmented supply chains, with multiple service providers handling different legs, can delay responses precisely when speed and coordination are most critical.

As a result, companies are increasingly pursuing end-to-end logistics integration. By consolidating providers and using digital platforms, shippers are improving visibility, reducing handover risks and strengthening control over their cargo flows. Technologies such as real-time tracking, predictive analytics and AI-driven decision tools are enabling faster responses to disruption and more proactive planning.

Multi-sourcing strategies, decentralized inventory positioning and the use of digital twins and IoT devices in warehouses are also gaining ground, helping companies reduce risk exposure while improving efficiency and service levels.

Ocean network adjustments and port conditions

On the ocean side, Maersk reports continued network adjustments in response to market conditions. On the East Coast of South America to Intra-Americas trade lane, the suspension of Norfolk calls under the TANGO service has been extended, with cargo handled via transshipment in Cartagena. Weekly calls at Rio de Janeiro have resumed, improving regional connectivity.

The ECSA Shuttle, operating on a biweekly rotation linking Paranaguá, Santos and Manzanillo in Panama, is strengthening connections to the Caribbean, the United States and South America’s West Coast, offering greater flexibility for regional and intercontinental shipments. Schedule adjustments, including one-week slides on UCLA and TANGO services at Santos, reflect ongoing efforts to align capacity with demand.

Port conditions remain uneven. In Brazil, high yard occupancy, tight berth availability and extended waiting times continue to affect key ports such as Santos, Paranaguá, Itapoá and Rio Grande, particularly for vessels arriving outside their scheduled windows. Weather-related disruptions may further impact operations in the near term. By contrast, operations on the West Coast of South America and across Central America and the Caribbean remain broadly stable, with only localized weather-related delays.

Planning for volatility, not stability

Looking ahead, the Maersk update emphasizes that predictability and visibility are becoming as important as cost control. Tax and customs reforms, especially in Brazil, along with new traceability requirements and evolving international regulations, are reshaping compliance and logistics planning across the region.

Despite the challenges, Latin America remains well positioned to capture growth opportunities linked to nearshoring and trade diversification. Companies that treat logistics as a strategic asset, invest in resilience and plan explicitly for uncertainty are likely to be best equipped to navigate the volatile logistics environment in 2026 and beyond.

Source: Maersk

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