Kuehne+Nagel Turns Trade Turmoil Into Opportunity

By Maria Kalamatas | March 25, 2025 | The Logistic News

As global supply chains face increasing pressure from geopolitical tensions, tariff battles, and regional disruptions, Swiss logistics leader Kuehne+Nagel (K+N) is turning volatility into opportunity. The company has positioned itself as a strategic advisor to businesses grappling with a new era of trade complexity—offering value-added services beyond traditional freight forwarding.

During a recent Capital Markets Day presentation, CEO Stefan Paul emphasized that the company is seeing heightened demand for consulting, customs support, and trade compliance services, especially from clients struggling to navigate multilayered tariffs, import/export restrictions, and cross-border regulatory fragmentation.

“There is huge customer demand for consultancy services in navigating through difficult times,” said Paul. “Our clients need more than transport—they need guidance, insight, and strategic execution in increasingly unpredictable conditions.”

From Tariffs to Trade Shocks: A Perfect Storm for Logistics Providers

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, global logistics has undergone a seismic transformation. Port congestions in the U.S. and China, factory shutdowns, labor shortages, and Houthi-led attacks on vessels in the Red Sea have reshaped the landscape.

Now, with Donald Trump’s renewed tariff agenda dominating headlines—and sparking retaliatory measures from China, Mexico, and Canada—businesses are bracing for new supply chain shocks. The complexity of trade policy is expected to intensify in the months ahead.

“The inflationary impact of tariffs could likely hurt demand,” warned Parash Jain, Global Head of Transport & Logistics Research at HSBC. “However, it also creates opportunities for logistics companies to offer expanded services, particularly in compliance and planning.”

A Shift in Strategy: K+N Expands to the U.S.–Mexico Border

In a direct response to the increasing demand for customs and cross-border expertise, Kuehne+Nagel recently announced plans to open a new site at the Texas–Mexico border, a critical gateway for U.S. imports and exports. This facility will specialize in customs clearance, regulatory consulting, and trade documentation services, strengthening K+N’s footprint in a key North American logistics corridor.

The move is also a reflection of changing trade dynamics, as more manufacturers shift operations to nearshoring models in Mexico and Central America to reduce dependency on distant Asian supply chains.

From Transport Broker to Strategic Partner

Historically known as a global freight forwarder, Kuehne+Nagel is now redefining its role within the supply chain. The company is evolving into a strategic logistics partner offering end-to-end services, including:

• Trade and customs advisory

• Regulatory compliance audits

• Risk management planning

• Digital supply chain analytics

• Alternative routing and scenario planning

This transformation builds on the company’s strong performance during the pandemic, when K+N reported record earnings in 2021 and 2022 amid global shipping disruptions and capacity shortages.

Looking Ahead: Embracing Volatility as a Business Model

K+N’s ability to monetize market instability signals a broader industry trend: the most agile logistics providers are no longer just transport managers, but also problem solvers and strategic enablers. With global tensions likely to persist—from the Red Sea crisis to ongoing tariff uncertainty—demand for expert logistics support is expected to rise.

“Flexibility, insight, and trusted execution are the new currency of global logistics,” Paul concluded. “As the world becomes more fragmented, our role becomes more essential.”

About Kuehne+Nagel
Headquartered in Switzerland, Kuehne+Nagel is one of the world’s leading logistics companies, operating in over 100 countries with strong capabilities in air, sea, road, and contract logistics. The company has been expanding its value-added service offerings and digital infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of a complex global trade environment.

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