Customs Donald Trump already affect logistics

European logistics will have to identify trends in a timely manner and can respond to them in a timely manner, they stressed at a recent international logistics congress in Portorož. Minister of Infrastructure Alenka Bratusek has announced that the state will continue to promote the growth of the industry with investments and the support environment. The logistics is already under pressure from the customs, introduced by the Donald Trump administration.

Head of the Institute of Supply Chain at the University of South California Nick Vyas presented the background of measures introduced in the trade field by US President Donald Trump. As he pointed out, Trump and his advisers believe that the US trade deficit has arisen because other countries are exploiting the United States and customs duties are weapons in fighting.

« Geopolitical tensions will be a serious test of supply chain resistance, » he noted. He called for risk scattering and investing in all areas of digitization. He is convinced that long -term forecasts for the US and Europe economic relations are nonetheless encouraging.

Logistics is important

According to Minister Bratusek, the industry of transport logistics is extremely important for Slovenia, as it offers many opportunities for economic development. « It’s not only an industry, it is the backbone of the economy, » she stressed.

She pointed to the investments of the state in this area. She is pleased that there are also many investments in technological solutions in the region that play an increasing role. According to her, the issue of sustainability is extremely important. « European standards are no longer just guidelines, but the concrete goals that we need to achieve, » she said.

According to her, Slovenia is becoming more and more established as a logistical node, but the strategic geographical location will not be enough. « We need appropriate infrastructure, efficient management and excellent experts, » she stressed, announcing further support from the country.

Looking for business opportunities

The importance of logistics as a basis for economic development was also emphasized by the President of the Slovenian Logistics Association Igor Žula. Among the main challenges of the industry are digital transformation and management of foreign workforce. « It is imperative to know the trends and good practices and find new business opportunities, » he said.

According to the President of the Management Board of Luka Koper, Nevenka Kržan, the increasing unpredictability of the business environment is also reflected in logistics. Good flexibility is essential, while continuing to invest in development. « We are also aware of this in the Port of Koper, where we want to maintain a competitive advantage through investments, » she said.

According to her, the support of the country is also necessary for the good development of the Slovenian logistics sector. « I can say that we are receiving it, » she stressed, mentioning, among other things, the construction of the second track of the Divača -Koper railway line.

Not all problems can be solved at the state level, so it is necessary to connect at European and global levels, said the President of the European Logistics Association Markus Mau. « Challenges more than ever need a strategic approach, so logistics is also necessary to connect at a broader level, » he added.

According to the President of the Association of Manager, the EU is charged with the absence of a clear vision or a long -term goal. “Strategies for individual areas are changing, and there are almost no predictability, he noted. In his opinion, new rules for the European automotive industry are an excellent example. « The economy needs predictability for successful development, » he stressed.

The consequences of the EU economic policy, which is not sufficiently focused on promoting competitiveness, will feel companies in all industries. “You have the biggest problem if you think you have no problems. Whoever realizes that he is in trouble, and he acts accordingly, is in at least a slightly better position, « he said.

« When globalization is in danger, the German and European economic model is also at risk, » warned Thomas Wimmer of the German Federal Logistics Association. According to him, the transformation of the economy is undoubtedly necessary, but we must not forget the social transformation: « We have never been stronger than we are today, and we should be more aware of it as European society. »

He called for a more uniform and more confident appearance in relation to other markets. Among the biggest challenges for the European Logistics Industry, he mentioned administrative burdens, high energy prices, insufficient transport infrastructure, high taxes and lack of properly trained personnel.

Presentation of good practices

At the three -day congress organized by the Slovenian Logistics Association, more than forty professional educational events have taken place on six thematic panels. The association also awarded the Logist in 2024 in the introductory part and received it Matevž Vuga from Big Bang.

Part of the program is also presentations of good practices from Slovenia and abroad. The participants of the congress, among other things, learned about the case of digital transformation using artificial intelligence tools, and learned how the French post office optimized operations with the introduction of a single control system. They also listened to the presentation of how the company consolidation can help improve the efficiency and durability of urban logistics in Antwerp.