International trade is facing a new logistical challenge: the Port of Rotterdam, one of the main entry points for perishable goods in Europe, is currently experiencing significant congestion, which is affecting the normal flow of vessels. This situation has generated a considerable increase in transit times for various routes, particularly impacting exporters in the Southern Hemisphere who depend on this port as a strategic destination.

In Peru's case, the situation has a direct impact on exports of fresh and perishable products, where logistics times are a critical factor for the final product quality and compliance with trade commitments.

What's happening in Rotterdam?

In recent weeks, the port has experienced a combination of factors that have slowed its operations. These include:

• Adverse weather conditions on key shipping routes have forced vessels to reduce speed or delay their arrival.
• Route diversions due to the Red Sea crisis have increased pressure on northern European ports like Rotterdam, as they receive increased volumes of maritime traffic.
• Operational limitations and internal congestion have caused delays in servicing and unloading vessels, extending wait times to several days.
• Unexpected labor strikes, such as the one that reduced operational capacity at the Hutchison Ports Delta II terminal on the Maasvlakte by 50%. Although the strike at the Port of Rotterdam was resolved in mid-March 2025, the knock-on effects continue to affect operational efficiency and supply chain stability.

According to a report published by SeaRates By March 2025, Rotterdam is currently the main logistics hub in the European region most affected by these delays, with an average container dwell time of 9.1 days, making it the most congested port in recent years.

• Boats are waiting in line for up to a week to access a dock.
• At Europe Container Terminals (ECT)—one of the port's largest operators, specializing in maritime and river connections—barges wait between 12 and 48 hours, and feeders between 24 and 48 hours.
• At the Rotterdam World Gateway (RWG) terminal, a highly efficient and automated facility, all berths are occupied by mainline or feeder vessels, which has increased berth utilization to 80%.

Impact on Peruvian exporters

This situation has created a logistical bottleneck that affects not only shipping lines but also the entire supply chain of perishable goods, many of which have narrow sales windows and strict quality standards at destination.

For Peruvian exporters of fresh produce—such as grapes, mangoes, blueberries, asparagus, and citrus fruits—these delays represent a significant operational risk. The most common effects include loss of product freshness or quality, with a consequent impact on its acceptance or appreciation in the destination market. Increased logistics costs due to delay fees, additional storage, and unforeseen expenses due to itinerary changes. Risk of contractual non-compliance due to failure to meet deadlines established with international buyers. Impact on commercial reputation, especially in markets such as Europe, where punctuality and traceability are fundamental.

Panorama adjustment

As a result, Peruvian agricultural export supply chains are experiencing significant strain due to congestion in Rotterdam. Although Peruvian agricultural exports grew 23.7% in January 2025, reaching $1,354 billion, driven by products such as grapes, blueberries, mangoes, avocados, and others, logistical saturation in the European port could compromise their competitiveness, primarily due to the risk of quality loss, operating cost overruns, and restrictions on the availability of refrigerated containers.

This is particularly worrying for exporters who use Rotterdam as a gateway to the European continent and who face increasingly stringent logistics compliance requirements.

Recommendations for exporters

Given this scenario, it is essential for exporting companies to review their logistics and commercial contracts, especially regarding force majeure clauses or liability for delays. Evaluate cargo insurance coverage and transportation conditions. Maintain fluid communication with their international clients to anticipate potential defaults or renegotiations. Consult with logistics and legal advisors to properly manage contractual implications and prevent major impacts.

The congestion in Rotterdam is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of global logistics chains and the importance of comprehensive planning. In an increasingly volatile international environment, anticipating risks, reviewing contracts, and maintaining fluid communication with all supply chain stakeholders is essential to maintaining the competitiveness of Latin American exports.