Logistics sector in Catalonia grows 90% thanks to fashion and e-commerce

• • 2015 saw a record high of 587,000 m2 leased
• • 10% of all logistics leases were signed by e-commerce companies

If the logistics market is a barometer of the economy, data from 2015 confirms all expectations of recovery, given that logistics leasing in Catalonia hit its highest level in the past seven years. Specifically, the figure is up 90% from the previous year to a record high of 587,000 m2 leased. This data is from the logistics consultancy Estrada & Partners.

In this regard, it is noteworthy that this increase came mainly from the fashion, automotive and e-commerce sectors. Thus, 10% of all logistics leases were signed by companies with ties to the e-commerce sector, which highly values quality transport connections and infrastructure. This figure will increase notably in the future, with Amazon building a distribution platform in El Prat del Llobregat.

It must also be noted that the bulk of investors in the logistics sector are foreign, making up 56% of all investment. And in this regard it is worth highlighting that turnkey logistics platforms are beginning to be developed by international investment funds. According to JLLconsultancy, Catalonia currently has 179,000 m2 of new surface area under construction, 81% of which already has users. 

With its strategic location, Catalonia is the main logistics center in southern Europe and the Mediterranean. It has a complete network of infrastructures and transport and logistics companies that provide all the necessary storage and distribution services. The Barcelona Catalonia initiative is made up of a series of projects in the metropolitan area, as well as the most important logistics offering along the Mediterranean Corridor, with the aim of consolidating Barcelona and Catalonia as the logistics hub of southern Europe.