Introducing the third of our Global Occupier Markets Spotlight publications: Spotlight on the industrial & logistics sector
The industrial and logistics sector is navigating a new era defined by turbulence and transformation. Amid shifting tariff regimes, geopolitical tensions, and escalating climate risks, businesses are under growing pressure to adapt. In response, occupiers are rethinking their real estate strategies with a focus on resilience, agility and future-proofing.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Global warehousing costs rose by 3.6% over the past year, marking the third consecutive year of slowing growth. This trend reflects a market in transition, as post-pandemic momentum gives way to more cautious occupier behaviour in the face of geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty. Increased supply in some markets also tempered rental increases.
- 80% of respondents in our survey of the Savills global network report leasing decision delays, driven by the shifting tariff environment. In Asia Pacific, 40% of respondents report that planned capital investment projects are being delayed due to uncertainty in the market.
- Occupiers of industrial and logistics space are rethinking site selection criteria. While access to transport infrastructure and labour remains critical, these priorities are weighed alongside growing power demands, the increasing need for smart, tech-enabled facilities, and a shift towards greater automation.
- Global cargo volumes surged by 7.3% in 2024, reaching 504.7 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) across 50 of the world’s largest ports. While all regions saw growth, the greatest increases were in North America and China, partly due to shippers front-loading cargo in anticipation of potential tariff changes.
>> Download a snapshot of the 2025 Spotlight on the industrial & logistics sector report, or download the full report here.
FURTHER INFORMATION
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