The global contract logistics market grew by 3.4% in 2012 to €159.35bn, the latest report ‘Global Contract Logistics 2013’, from industry experts, Transport Intelligence, has found. However this figure hides an increasing divergence in the performance of regional markets, with growth in emerging markets much higher than those in Europe or North America. For example, the Middle East grew at 5.7%, whilst the Asian contract logistics
market grew at 6.0%; due to an emphasis on intra-Asian trade. This contrasts with growth in North America which was only 3%, and an even weaker 0.9% growth rate in Western Europe.
This gap in performance is set to widen with the outlook for emerging markets through 2016 remaining strong. Europe’s 37% share of the market is likely to fall to just 31% in 2016, whilst Asia’s share will increase by 5 percentage points to 36% over the same time scale.
According to the report’s lead author, Cathy Roberson, the changing market dynamics will require a new mindset from contract logistics providers, with the need to focus their strategy on these emerging markets.
“In the aftermath of the 2008 global recession, the contract logistics market must evolve once more. Whilst nobody can doubt China’s enormous potential, a second tier of economies is developing, as manufacturers look to produce and source goods from a range of low cost markets. Trade lanes are shifting away from the US and Europe in favour of emerging markets such as Brazil, Russia, South Africa and the Middle East.
Logistics providers must develop their service offerings and expand into these new geographic markets,” commented Roberson, Senior Analyst at Transport Intelligence.
However, penetrating the new emerging markets will not be straightforward as Roberson went on to add. “When entering an emerging market, logistics providers have to overcome the challenges of developing new solutions, such as an e-commerce offering, while at the same time dealing with undeveloped infrastructure, bureaucracy, corruption, security and a volatile business environment. The rewards are obvious, but a thorough understanding of the risks is essential.”
About Global Contract Logistics 2013
Global Contract Logistics 2013 is a completely new-look report from Transport Intelligence. Comprising a detailed analysis of the evolution of the sector, it includes sections on Mergers & Acquisitions (details of major acquisitions and amounts paid); comprehensive market sizing and forecasts, with historic figures and market shares; a detailed analysis of logistics service providers market positioning; potential operating margins and company profiles of the leading players.
To view a sample version of the report, click the report title link above and utilise our new “Look Inside” feature.
How to buy Global Contract Logistics 2013
The report is available online directly from the Transport Intelligence website. Alternatively, you can contact Mike Nordmann, Ti’s Business Development Director via E: [email protected] or T: +44 (0) 1793 850025.
About the Ti Emerging Logistics Markets Conference and Future of Logistics Day
In September, Transport Intelligence will host a two-day event, sponsored by Agility, focusing on emerging logistics markets and a one-day event sponsored by BT on the future of the logistics industry. The conference will examine recent trends, assess potential future developments, analyse the significance of supply chain risk and evaluate planned investments in Asia’s transport infrastructure. Ti’s new report, Global Contract Logistics 2013, will inform discussions held at the event. For more information, please visit www.ticonferences.com.
