The recent imbalance between supply and demand in global commodity markets has led to a buildup of inventory in ports and a shortage of available storage space.

Even when the demand for commodities across the world is low, warehousing space is scarce due to very high inventories at the ports. Consequently, companies need to adapt their inventory management strategies to cope with the high levels of inventory in ports and the limited availability of warehousing space.

“Our daily goal is to optimize the raw materials supply chain offshore to smoothly deliver at client plants in a time-efficient manner,” says Arthur Falk, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Natrio.

Distinguished by its end-to-end service model across three pillars—sourcing, storage, and transport—Natrio is a global company specializing in the import and distribution of high-volume, dry chemicals, efficient logistics, and supply chain solutions. It is recognized globally for its high levels of service, security of supply, credibility, integrity, and regard for the environment. Natrio is led by co-founders, Arthur Falk, Jose Luiz Falk, and Antonio Palhares, and managed by professional executives worldwide.

Natrio doesn’t try to fit clients into a model that already exists. It works with their specifics to determine what will work best for them. For example, it may be worth spending capital in a bulk silo to transform a client’s plant to enable bulk handling rather than big bags, although the capital might be expensive. Natrio will ensure the client benefits from the savings of handling bulk compared to bags that include more labor, cost of disposal, and of course, environmental concerns with the bags after use.

For instance, Natrio was working with a client, that was importing a product in break bulk that is only classified as dangerous goods if the bags are opened. The client imported directly from a supplier in South East Asia and didn’t pay attention to details in the logistics. When it came to discharge, the bags ripped open, and the vessel was deemed unsafe to discharge. For the next vessel, Natrio got involved and worked together with their supplier to change the type and quality of the bags used as well as the specific shape of the hold of the vessel chosen.

“At Natrio, we believe a comprehensive approach allied with fast responses to client needs yields better chances of capturing and maintaining that client for a longer term. In addition, we invest in people and incentivize them to think like owners and take responsibility for the outcome,” says Falk.

Natrio believes that in logistics, it is not only about price. Sometimes when the client makes choices to save a few dollars, the increase in risk, both of running out of supply or paying hidden costs, is not worth compared to the savings. Natrio doesn’t want to be perceived as the cheapest solution, but the best cost-risk-adjusted partner.