Will APAC’s E-Commerce Boom Outpace Europe’s Contract Logistics Growth?

January 9, 2025

As the global economy navigates through its myriad challenges, the contract logistics sector is seeing diverse growth trajectories across different regions. According to Ti Insight’s detailed report, the European contract logistics market is on a path to grow at a modest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.7% from 2024 to 2025, reaching an expected value of €87,228.1 million by 2025. This anticipated growth is buoyed by gradual improvements in consumer purchasing power and domestic demand amidst continued economic uncertainties.

Regional Disparities in Contract Logistics Market Performance

European Growth Amid Economic Hurdles

Despite the optimistic forecast, Europe is marked by significant regional disparities. The report highlights that Europe’s annual growth rates for 2024 and 2025 are projected to be 0.7% and 1.8%, respectively, which could potentially hold back global advancement in this sector. Several factors contribute to this slower pace. High inflation rates have been a persistent issue, although there’s a bit of respite thanks to improved supply chain conditions and reduced energy prices. However, the economic recovery remains inconsistent across various European countries, influenced by geopolitical conflicts and labor shortages.

Germany stands out as a strategic logistics hub within Europe. It offers easy access to the broader EU market, benefiting from its advantageous central location and robust logistics infrastructure. The nation’s strong logistic services further enhance its role in the market. Nevertheless, the overall sluggish recovery in Europe remains a point of concern. These challenges underline the necessity for better economic strategies and policies to ensure more uniform growth across the continent.

APAC’s E-Commerce-Driven Surge

In stark contrast to Europe’s lukewarm progress, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is experiencing substantial growth, driven mainly by the booming e-commerce industry. The Ti Insight report forecasts the APAC contract logistics market to reach an impressive €123,692.9 million by 2025. With parcel volumes surging by over 15% annually, the region’s logistics sector is expanding rapidly. The growth is largely driven by the increased proliferation of e-commerce vendors and platforms like Shein and Temu. These companies are increasingly outsourcing their logistics operations to major third-party logistics providers (3PLs) such as DHL Supply Chain, fueling the strong growth in the region.

The e-commerce boom in Asia has brought a wave of transformation in the logistics sector. Improved infrastructure and advanced supply chain solutions are facilitating better and faster delivery services. Local and international e-commerce firms are investing heavily in logistics to meet the growing demand. This trend underscores the pivotal role of e-commerce in shaping the future of the APAC contract logistics market. As the sector continues to thrive, it poses a sharp contrast to the slower growth observed in other regions.

Market Projections Beyond 2025

North America’s Moderate Pace

While the APAC region leads with a considerable growth trajectory, North America showcases a more moderate pace. By 2024, the North American contract logistics market is projected to grow to €74,712 million, followed by a slight uptick to €77,100.2 million by 2025 with a CAGR of 3.2%. Although the growth rate is steadier compared to Europe, it still lags behind the rapid expansion seen in the APAC region. Several factors contribute to this moderate pace, including saturation in certain market segments and the gradual adaptation to new logistical technologies.

North America’s growth has been relatively balanced, reflecting both opportunities and challenges inherent in a mature market. The region’s emphasis on integrating advanced technologies in logistics is facilitating gradual improvements. However, the need for continuous innovation and adaptation remains critical to sustaining growth. The competitive landscape requires logistics providers to enhance their services and adapt to the evolving needs of their customers.

Future Prospects for Global Contract Logistics

As the global economy navigates numerous challenges, the contract logistics sector exhibits different growth patterns across various regions. According to an in-depth report by Ti Insight, the European contract logistics market is projected to grow at a modest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.7% from 2024 to 2025. By 2025, it is expected to reach a value of €87,228.1 million. This anticipated growth is supported by gradual improvements in consumer purchasing power and domestic demand despite ongoing economic uncertainties.

This sector’s modest growth can be attributed to several factors, including consumer behavior and market stability. The increase in purchasing power and demand suggests that the market, although facing hurdles, is on a path to recovery. Ti Insight’s report underscores the importance of regional differences, suggesting that while the overall European growth is steady, individual markets within the continent may experience varied growth trajectories. As Europe steadies itself amid these economic fluctuations, the contract logistics market continues to adapt and evolve accordingly.

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