German logistics industry operational and market trends

The German logistics sector is navigating a complex landscape of operational constraints and shifting market demands. In late September 2026, the industry faced a crisis driven by deteriorating infrastructure and environmental factors. In the Rheinland-Pfalz region, freight forwarders reported significant bottlenecks caused by defective bridges, such as the B9 federal highway closure in Speyer and corrosion on the Kurt-Schumacher Bridge, alongside low water levels and closed railway lines. These disruptions, compounded by high diesel prices, have increased operational expenses for medium-sized firms and impacted major industrial hubs.

By mid-October 2026, the focus shifted toward the logistics real estate market, which is experiencing a transition. While new construction completions are expected to decrease for the full year, demand for logistics space has risen significantly. Total space turnover for the first three quarters of 2026 reached 5.5 million square meters, a 28% increase over the previous year. This growth is being driven by e-commerce, defense, and manufacturing sectors, with notable increases in turnover in locations outside major hubs. Despite broader economic pressures, rents in prime locations have remained stable at approximately 8.90 Euro per square meter.