Freight transport prices start rising in the Canary Islands

Freight rates and fuel hit record highs since April 2025

The first effects of the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran are already being felt in the Canary Islands, with an increase in the cost of freight transport. This translates into higher freight charges and rising prices for cereals such as soy, a key raw material for livestock feed, reports Diario de Avisos.

International uncertainty is driving oil prices upward, with Brent (the European benchmark crude) at $91.8 per barrel, marking a 26 % increase in just one week.

Livestock grain price up 15 %

Samuel Marrero, General Director of Grupo Capisa and representative of the Canary Government’s Livestock Board, estimated that freight costs on bulk carriers delivering cereal to the islands have risen 15 %.

While pinpointing an exact figure is difficult because costs depend on several variables, an approximation can be made using an average price of €45 per tonne. The 15 % increase adds an extra €6.75 per tonne.

“When there is uncertainty in the markets, money seeks safe assets, such as gold, or strategic commodities, such as cereals. In the case of soy, it is evident that this phenomenon has occurred because supply is unchanged but prices have risen 15 % in a week,” Marrero said.

He also expressed concern about the soaring cost of the main source of plant protein for livestock feed, noting that its price has jumped €35 per tonne in just a few days.

Industry leaders warn of broader cost impacts

Virgilio Correa, President of the Canary Islands Industrial Association (Asinca), confirmed the rise in freight costs and added:

“These days several suppliers have already warned that freight rates need to be re‑quoted and they are offering worse conditions.”

Correa highlighted that the conflict’s effects are already being felt in significant price hikes for gas and oil, directly influencing the production cost of any good.