Transport as a limiting factor for the growth of Spanish agri-food exports

The location of the main Spanish fruit and vegetable production areas in the southern Mediterranean region and their dependence on road transport hinder the exporting activity in this area. The growth of transport costs and future scenarios with constrictions, for example green taxes and land transit limitations, oblige exporters to seek out alternatives, such as sea transport within an intermodal framework. The present study aims to provide a quantitative analysis for strategic decisions to promote this adaptation. The results support the change to intermodal transport and highlight the negative effects of transport cost increases on exports. They also reveal the benefits of a consolidated business nucleus at origin to avoid certain logistical problems caused by the modal switch.