Industrial and E-commerce Logistics Trends for 2024

The industrial vacancy rate in the U.S. has risen to 6.7%, marking a 20 basis point increase but still remaining below pre-pandemic levels, according to Cushman & Wakefield. In contrast, Europe's industrial and logistics market is experiencing a mixed forecast for 2025, with declining vacancy rates for the first time in two years but slow leasing activity. The air cargo sector saw a 10% increase in capacity in 2024, driven by the recovery of passenger services and e-commerce demand, although future growth may be challenging due to production delays and market pressures. Meanwhile, the e-commerce logistics market is projected to grow by USD 802.3 billion from 2023 to 2028, spurred by factors like cross-border activities and technological advancements. Additionally, the British International Freight Association emphasizes the importance of workforce development and automation to navigate the complex landscape of international freight forwarding and logistics. Overall, the logistics sector is adapting to evolving demands while balancing growth opportunities against ongoing challenges.