The Spanish Confederation of Freight Transport (CETM), the country’s principal transport association, has publicly condemned a sequence of attacks aimed at trucks carrying Spanish products at the French border. The organization emphasizes the need for safety and lawful conduct to protect cross-border trade and the livelihoods of drivers and logistics teams involved in these operations. CETM’s stance underscores the broader priority of keeping supply chains open and secure for Spanish exporters and their European partners.
On the same Thursday, October 19, French wine producers, represented by their employers’ association, organized a surprise operation in Narbonne to halt the import of Spanish wine. The action followed tensions over duties, regulations, and market dynamics between neighboring countries. Observers note that such interventions can disrupt the flow of goods and escalate disputes that touch regional economies and consumer access to products from both nations.
Demonstrators obstructed the A-9 corridor at the Le Boulou border crossing, forcing some vehicles to divert while others were evacuated and merchandise, including wine tankers, was damaged. The incident highlights the volatility sometimes seen in cross-border trade points and the impact on carriers, retailers, and customers who rely on timely deliveries to maintain inventories and pricing stability.
Mossos d’Esquadra collaborated with the French Gendarmerie to manage the situation and directed heavy vehicles to alternate routes. Nevertheless, CETM describes the measures as insufficient, urging authorities to implement stronger security and traffic management to prevent repeated disruptions and to safeguard the rights of both freight operators and travelers who depend on clear passage through border areas.
In response, CETM urged authorities to take decisive steps to ensure that perpetrators cannot operate with impunity. The association called for accountability under the law and stressed that any demonstration should respect the right to free movement of people and goods, a fundamental principle in maintaining stable regional commerce and everyday mobility.
The Le Boulou disruption led to a temporary cessation of traffic on AP-7. As of 11:50, the northbound lane between Figueres (Girona) and the French frontier faced restrictions that affected through traffic and scheduling for many transport operators and supply chain stakeholders. Measures were quickly needed to maintain essential crossings and minimize cascading delays for next-day operations and service commitments.
According to Servei Català de Trànsit (SCT), a compulsory detour was activated from exit 3 toward Figueres North. The incident created a 20.5-kilometer corridor of impact stretching from the city of Girona to the French municipality of Llers, altering routes for commercial fleets and passenger traffic alike. Authorities emphasized the importance of clear signage, timely information for drivers, and coordinated traffic management to reduce congestion and protect critical trade lanes during peak periods, holidays, and market-driven surges.