The current economic and political crisis that Argentina is going through has severely impacted all sectors, including the Logistics. According to a report carried out by the National Technological University (UTN) through its Technological Center for Transportation, Transit and Road Safety (C3T), the evolution of the National Logistics Cost Index prepared for the Business Chamber of Logistics Operators (CEDOL) that shows an increase of 6.55% during the month of March, a figure that has generated a significant impact on the profitability of the companies and in the final prices of the products.
Various factors have influenced this alarming increase. Among the main ones are the strong increase in fuel price, which has made the transportation of goods significantly more expensive, and the acceleration of inflation, which has impacted the costs of labor, supplies and maintenance. This situation has not only hindered the ability of companies to operate efficiently and profitably, but also the costs They end up being transferred to clients, which decreases competitiveness at a regional or global level.
The increase of logistics costs It has hit certain economic sectors hardest, such as mass consumption, direct delivery markets to the final consumer, and low value-added product categories. These sectors face adverse consequences, such as reduced profit margins and loss of competitiveness compared to imported products. This situation could translate into a decrease in economic activity and a greater risk of job loss in these sectors.
Companies in the logistics sector seek to implement strategies to optimize their costs. Strategies based on flexibility will allow resources to be synergized to provide productivity and thereby lower costs. Centralized and long-term purchases can also provide significant savings. Furthermore, the implementation of technologies that improve operational efficiency and the search for cheaper transportation alternatives are increasingly used and effective solutions.
In the medium term, it is expected that the logistics costs continue to be subject to upward pressure, especially if global war conflicts affecting the fuel prices. However, it is essential that all actors in the sector, including the companiesgovernments and civil organizations, work in a coordinated manner to find sustainable solutions that mitigate the impact of these challenges and promote economic and social development.
It is necessary to join forces to implement public policies that promote efficiency, investment and innovation, as well as to generate an open and constructive dialogue between the different parties.
Only through working together will it be possible to build a prosperous future for the logistics industry Argentina.
* Guillermo Cervellera, Manager of the Consumer and Industry Division of Celsur Logística.
