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Tamara Tanghe, Director at Commodity Centre Belgium, recently shared her insights with Business Vlaanderen Antwerpen magazine in a compelling interview that dives into the evolving world of maritime and logistics.
Tamara sees geopolitics as a constant force shaping global trade. Recent events, such as sanctions on Russian steel and US tariffs, have added complexity, but also opened new opportunities such as the acquisition of Waagnatie in 2022, bringing transport services in-house.
One of the biggest challenges Tamara highlights is the growing weight of regulation. The pace and volume of new rules, particularly around sustainability, are difficult to keep up with. The expectation to monitor compliance across the entire supply chain can be overwhelming, even when the goals are widely supported.
She also reflects on the changing nature of port labour. With automation rising, the cost of labour can be better managed, but there’s a cultural shift underway. Some dock workers feel undervalued when working with machines, yet Tamara emphasises the importance of preserving pride in the profession for generations to come, especially as expectations around work/life balance evolve.
Commodity Centre Belgium has recently seen a significant upswing in business with import/export volumes rising steadily since April 2024. As customers adapt to record commodity prices by reducing storage and opting for last-minute shipping, Commodity Centre has pivoted toward fast, flexible handling services. Tamara credits the trust they’ve built to their agility - as a medium sized business, solutions come quickly, without red tape.
To read the full article in Dutch, click the image below:
