Balearic exports face €1,500 container costs
Exporting a standard 40-foot container from the Balearic Islands costs businesses between €1,300 and €1,500. The regional parliament is now demanding action over what it calls excessive and unjustified sea freight charges.
The call was approved on Friday in Palma by the Committee on Institutional and General Affairs. Every group backed it except Vox, which abstained. Lawmakers want the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade to help find a solution for Balearic industry.
Empty containers, high export bills
MÉS per Mallorca deputy Ferran Rosa said 70% of containers leaving the islands sail empty, yet export prices remain high. He said the available outbound cargo capacity meant competition authorities should closely examine how the sector operates.
Parliament also asked the National Commission for Markets and Competition to investigate the market’s structure and operation. It wants the Balearic Government to consider a study into sea-transport logistics costs and their effect on the ability of Balearic products to compete abroad.
The Spanish Government has also been urged to amend the Balearic Islands’ special regime to address the non-economic inequalities of island life. It should work with the regional government on legal changes to ensure sufficient sea links between Balearic ports, Barcelona and Valencia.
Fund sought for boats reaching Balearic shores
In the same session, parliament called for a dedicated compensation fund for councils and the regional administration. It would cover the costs they currently bear to transport, store and destroy small migrant boats arriving on Balearic coasts.
The proposal, put forward by Popular Party deputy Cristina Gil, also calls on the Spanish Government to pursue legal, orderly and humane migration policies, strengthen border controls, tackle trafficking networks and speed up returns for people who entered unlawfully and have no right to remain in Spain.
Topics: Migration · Police · Politics
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com