DHL Leverages Growth Opportunities in LATAM Amid Global Trade Uncertainty: Empowering Customers Through Change

As global trade continues to face mounting uncertainty, DHL is leveraging its unified logistics expertise to help businesses in Latin America (LATAM) adapt and build resilience. On August 14, DHL Express, DHL Supply Chain, and DHL Global Forwarding convened in Bogotá to share insights on the region’s evolving trade landscape and showcase how both their integrated and individual capabilities are empowering customers to navigate shifting regulations, market dynamics, and consumer expectations.

Adapting to Geopolitical Changes in LATAM

Latin America is navigating a turbulent trade environment shaped by changes in regional alliances, regulatory reforms, and market volatility. The region is at a crossroads where it must decide whether it will continue to engage with the United States as a major trade partner or build further on the regional cooperation and trade diversification with the rest of world. As businesses contemplate their strategy, DHL strength as an end-to-end logistics provider with its global expertise and local presence can help businesses stay agile, compliant, and ready to seize new prospects.

DHL Express: Accelerating Cross-Border Commerce

Andrew Williams, CEO for DHL Express Americas, reports a surge in demand from e-commerce platforms and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) seeking to reach customers across borders more reliably and efficiently, especially in Colombia, where SMEs constitute almost 80% of its customer base. As SMEs, who play a critical role in the local economy, face challenges such as access to financing, informality, and regulatory burdens, DHL Express customers are increasingly requesting flexible shipping solutions and transparent end-to-end tracking as they navigate changing import/export requirements, he said. 

“Our customers tell us agility and access to reliable logistics is more important than ever. SMEs across the Americas are expanding their global reach, and they rely on our expertise to overcome regulatory hurdles and keep business flowing during turbulent times,” Williams said.

In the face of tariff complexity and regulatory uncertainty, DHL Express responded to customers’ demands by doubling down on customs services, expanding its digital tools, optimizing last-mile delivery, and enhancing customs clearance processes to minimize delays and maximize visibility for shippers and recipients alike.

“Despite ongoing global trade disruptions and shifting supply chains, we remain confident in the resilience and strength of international trade. Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico have emerged as strategic hubs in our growth strategy, and we’re investing heavily to help our customers navigate these challenges,” Williams concluded. 

In Colombia, DHL Express has invested on expanding retail reach and enhancing sustainability. In 2024, the company invested more than $500,000 USD to open six new points of sale. This year, DHL Express’ plan calls for about $1.3 million USD in further POS expansion, fleet growth, and the installation of solar panels. DHL Express is also investing in new service points throughout the region, leveraging AI-driven routing, and working closely with local authorities to streamline customs and compliance, ensuring fast and reliable deliveries even amid regulatory changes.

DHL Global Forwarding: Flexible Logistics in a Shifting Trade Environment

In the wake of shifting trade routes and regulatory landscapes, DHL Global Forwarding is witnessing a rise in demand for multimodal transport solutions and supply chain risk management.

“Tariffs and geopolitical shifts are reshaping logistics in the Americas, but with proactive planning and multimodal solutions, we’re helping customers balance cost efficiency and transit times. Flexibility is the key to keeping supply chains resilient,” said Tim Robertson, CEO for DHL Global Forwarding Americas. 

 Customers, especially in manufacturing and retail, are seeking guidance to diversify sourcing and build resilience against disruptions. DHL Global Forwarding’s investment in advanced analytics and scenario planning allows customers to anticipate volatility, manage costs, and maintain supply chain continuity. DHL Global Forwarding also deploys flexible transport networks, expanding capacity in key corridors, and providing customers with actionable insights to proactively manage risk and optimize freight flows.

“In Colombia, we’ve shifted flows to Pacific ports to counteract Caribbean congestion, achieving a 5% volume increase through Buenaventura. When a Mexican customer needed a new freight route to Canada due to tariffs, our team launched a solution in under 24 hours—demonstrating how dynamic and customer-focused our operations have become,” Robertson added.

According to Robertson, customers indicate that transparency and assurance are crucial for making investment decisions. DHL Global Forwarding's ability to swiftly adapt transport routes and provide real-time tracking has been vital for customers as they diversify sourcing to countries such as Vietnam, India, and Mexico. 

“Dependable logistics are a key driver of business growth, even during times of uncertainty,” Robertson concluded. 

DHL Supply Chain Enhances Infrastructure and Capabilities Amid Growing Demand in Latin America

DHL Supply Chain's clients are rethinking inventory strategies and fulfillment models due to rapid changes in consumer demand and market access. They seek more agile warehousing and flexible-customized distribution services to adapt to fluctuations and changes. In response, DHL Supply Chain has improved automation and invested in real-time inventory management for data-driven decisions and scalable logistics support.
 
“As part of our support strategy to our customers in innovation, connectivity, digitalization, and sustainability, our recent opening distribution center in Mexico adds over 210,000 square meters to the 3,000,000 square meters that DHL Supply Chain Latin America warehouse network,” said Agustin Croche, CEO for DHL Supply Chain Latin America. “This ultimate generation center will generate a positive impact of more than 2,500 jobs, demonstrating our commitment to the communities, as well as responding to our customer needs.”
 
DHL Supply Chain has a strong regional presence with over 42,000 collaborators and more than 230 sites. Answering market needs, the company is focusing on key solutions in Ecommerce, DHL Fulfillment Network, Life Sciences sector with "DHL Health Logistics" employing over 4,900 specialists in Latin America and serving over 186 clients, investing in multi temperature-controlled networks and Hubs for temperature-sensitive products. The Inbound to Manufacturing (I2M) solution enhances production by coordinating transportation, warehousing, inventory, sequencing, and just-in-time delivery. 
 
“To support our customers in today’s dynamic markets, we are implementing initiatives to enhance our operational capabilities, while also developing our logistics specialists and bringing to the region, and also exporting, the strong knowledge within DHL global network.” Croche added. “At this point in a recent forum here in Colombia, we discussed and explore the logistics opportunities that the local market can offer. Colombia is a strong and strategic partner for us, where its talent people play an important role to keep growing and unlock opportunities for all.”

Peak Season Outlook

As businesses prepare for the upcoming holiday shopping period (peak season), DHL maintains a measured outlook despite the ongoing volatility and uncertainty in global trade. The peak season will be a culmination of a turbulent year for businesses and consumers alike.

DHL Express foresees stable volumes driven by e-commerce and cross-border gifting; DHL Global Forwarding anticipates increased demand for capacity management and risk mitigation services as companies prepare for seasonal surges and unpredictable trade flows; and DHL Supply Chain expects heightened activity in fulfillment centers and rapid scaling of warehousing operations, supporting consumer needs.

Amid global trade uncertainty, DHL remains committed to empowering its customers across Latin America with innovative solutions, local expertise, and the agility to navigate change.