Global demand for logistics space expected to be strong, with standout growth in e-commerce

Rhea-AI Summary

JLL's new research predicts a continued rise in demand for logistics space globally over the next three years, driven primarily by e-commerce growth. The report indicates that logistics demand is expected to expand across various sectors, including express delivery and healthcare. However, limited land supply and increasing pressure for sustainability practices pose significant challenges. A survey of 720 logistics experts reveals that improving energy efficiency is a priority, with technology adoption being crucial for overcoming land and sustainability issues.

Positive

• Predicted strong demand for logistics space, particularly in e-commerce.
• Logistics growth projected across multiple sectors, including healthcare and construction.
• High priority for energy efficiency and sustainability in logistics practices.

Negative

• Limited land supply could hinder future growth, with vacancies under 3% in major cities.
• Pressure for rapid adoption of sustainable practices may not align with current industry focus.

CHICAGO, July 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- JLL's (NYSE: JLL) new research, The Future of Global Logistics Real Estate, predicts that demand for logistics space (warehousing and distribution facilities) will continue to intensify over the next three years, even when compared with recent elevated levels. To sustain this growth, however, both limited land supplies and increased pressure for environmental sustainability practices need to be addressed.

The e-commerce sector will increase most significantly but strong growth for warehouse and distribution facilities is also forecasted from express and parcel delivery; third-party logistics; healthcare and life sciences; and construction and materials.

The findings are based on a survey of 720 logistics experts in 43 countries and territories on a range of issues that could affect future occupier demand in this highly dynamic sector.

Digital retail evolution
While retail was already in a digital shift, the pandemic has accelerated the change and pushed companies to revamp their decision-making process to focus on speediness, inventory stocking and new technology.

"E-commerce continues to propel a huge wave of industrial leasing globally, and the demand is becoming more widespread across all industries," said Craig Meyer, President, Industrial, JLL. "The number of unique active tenants has surged as companies rush to build up their e-fulfillment capacities and, despite a normalization of the market as the effects of the pandemic wind down, we expect to see this trend hold strong over the next three years."

Last year, e-commerce was the overall standout performer in the logistics sector, marking the highest year-on-year growth take-up by any occupier group globally. It represented over 16% of 2020 total logistics and industrial leasing in the United States, 22% across Europe and as much as one-third in China. Survey respondents expect the e-commerce sector to drive demand in logistics but global growth across all warehousing and distribution sectors is predicted.

Addressing limited land supply
In order to sustain future growth, survey respondents pointed to two concerns that must be addressed. The first is the limited supply of entitled land for logistics, with firms already delaying decisions because of a lack of space. For example, vacancies are sub 3% in several cities including Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, Milan, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Moreover, 65% of respondents in Germany, China, the Netherlands and Australia deemed limited availability of entitled land as the biggest constraint on occupier demand. Interestingly, workforce shortages are considered to have a lower impact than other factors on constraining future demand.

Adopting sustainable solutions
Second, the sector must be faster to adopt sustainable solutions, as the pressure to decarbonize continues to mount. Currently, the sector's focus is mainly on solutions that yield cost savings. For instance, 73% of respondents rated improving energy efficiency as the highest priority globally. In Europe, however, there is a greater impetus to reduce overall carbon emissions and use sustainable transport, signaling the direction of travel for the entire industry.

In Europe, the highest share of respondents (40%) stated that they observe some occupiers already taking "significant action" toward decarbonization. Asia Pacific had the largest share of respondents (47%) rate "enhancing green/renewable energy generation and use" – for example, rooftop solar panels and wind turbines – as a high priority over the next few years. On the other hand, the Americas lag on renewable energy, possibly due to a lack of government incentives to support implementation.

"Governments, municipalities, supply chain experts and the real estate industry need to partner to find innovative solutions to creating efficient supply chains and real estate," said Jeremy Kelly, Lead Director, Global Cities Research, JLL. "This partnership is the best way to meet high expectations for just-in-time deliveries."

Transformative technology
Looking ahead to the sector's future, technology will play a major role in transforming building design and supply chains, helping to resolve the concerns about land supply and sustainability solutions. Currently, only the larger occupiers and developers with global and regional networks have adopted advanced technologies and automation solutions, but 90% of global respondents agree or strongly agree that investing in automation and robotics is the clear option for improving supply chains in the future. Cold storage and e-commerce companies are expected to lead the way in the adoption of technology.

About JLL
JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. JLL shapes the future of real estate for a better world by using the most advanced technology to create rewarding opportunities, amazing spaces and sustainable real estate solutions for our clients, our people and our communities. JLL is a Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $16.6 billion in 2020, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of more than 91,000 as of March 31, 2021. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.

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Contact: Gayle Kantro
Phone: +1 312 228 2795
Email: Gayle.Kantro@am.jll.com

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SOURCE JLL

FAQ

What does JLL's research say about global logistics demand?

JLL's research indicates strong growth in logistics space demand over the next three years, particularly driven by e-commerce and other sectors.

How is e-commerce impacting logistics space demand according to JLL?

E-commerce is forecasted to significantly increase logistics demand, representing over 16% of total logistics leasing in the U.S. during 2020.

What challenges does JLL identify for the logistics sector?

JLL identifies limited land supply and the need for faster sustainability adoption as major challenges for the logistics sector.

What percentage of logistics experts prioritize energy efficiency?

73% of logistics experts surveyed rated improving energy efficiency as a top priority globally.

How does JLL's report suggest technology will affect logistics?

The report highlights that technology will play a crucial role in transforming building designs and supply chains to address land supply and sustainability issues.