Belgium Logistics and Warehousing Market Outlook to 2029

The report titled “Belgium Logistics and Warehousing Market Outlook to 2029 – By Market Structure, By Mode of Transportation, By Type of Warehousing, By End-User Industry, By Region” provides a comprehensive analysis of the logistics and warehousing industry in Belgium. The report covers an overview and genesis of the industry, overall market size in terms of revenue, market segmentation, trends and developments, regulatory landscape, customer profiling, issues and challenges, and comparative landscape including competition scenario, cross comparison, opportunities and bottlenecks, and company profiling of major players in the Logistics and Warehousing Market. The report concludes with future market projections based on revenue, by market structure, end-use sector, mode of transport, region, and success case studies highlighting key opportunities and risks.

Belgium Logistics and Warehousing Market Overview and Size

The Belgium logistics and warehousing market reached a valuation of EUR 16.2 Billion in 2023, supported by its strategic geographic location in Western Europe, proximity to major EU markets, and world-class infrastructure including the Port of Antwerp and Brussels Airport. The market is dominated by players such as DHL Supply Chain, Kuehne + Nagel, DSV, CEVA Logistics, and DB Schenker, which are known for their strong networks, technology integration, and diversified service portfolios.

In 2023, DSV expanded its state-of-the-art logistics facility in Ghent, focusing on automation and green logistics to cater to demand from automotive and pharma sectors. Key regions such as Antwerp, Brussels, and Liège continue to serve as logistics hotspots due to their connectivity to rail, port, and road networks.

Market Size for Belgium Logistics and Warehousing Industry on the Basis of Revenue, 2018–2023
Source: TraceData Research Analysis

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What Factors are Leading to the Growth of Belgium Logistics and Warehousing Market:

• Strategic Location & Infrastructure: Belgium’s position as a gateway to Western Europe, coupled with advanced port, rail, and road infrastructure, makes it a preferred logistics hub for pan-European distribution. The Port of Antwerp is the second largest in Europe and handled over 271 million tonnes of cargo in 2023, facilitating significant growth in freight volume.

• Rise in E-commerce & 3PL Services: With e-commerce penetration surpassing 75% in 2023, the demand for last-mile delivery and fulfillment centers has surged. Third-party logistics (3PL) providers are playing a key role in supporting retail and FMCG clients with flexible warehousing and distribution solutions.

• Focus on Green Logistics and Automation: Belgium is increasingly adopting automation technologies like AGVs, WMS, and robotics in warehousing operations. Additionally, government and EU sustainability targets are driving investments in low-emission transport and solar-powered warehouses. In 2023, over 35% of logistics facilities under construction were green-certified.

Which Industry Challenges Have Impacted the Growth for Belgium Logistics and Warehousing Market

• Rising Operational Costs: One of the major challenges for the logistics sector in Belgium is the steady rise in operational costs, including fuel prices, labor wages, and compliance costs. According to industry estimates, logistics providers experienced an average cost increase of 7.5% in 2023 alone. This has led to pricing pressures, particularly for smaller 3PL firms and independent warehousing operators who face thin margins.

• Labor Shortages and Skills Gap: Belgium’s logistics industry is grappling with a shortage of skilled labor, especially in warehousing and long-haul transportation. A 2023 report by the Belgian Logistics Association highlighted that 1 in 4 logistics companies faced workforce shortages, particularly for forklift operators, warehouse managers, and truck drivers. This has impacted operational efficiency and increased reliance on temporary staffing.

• Congestion and Urban Delivery Constraints: Urban areas such as Brussels and Antwerp are facing increased congestion, which delays deliveries and raises last-mile delivery costs. Strict urban logistics regulations, including emission-free zones, further complicate access. In 2023, last-mile delivery times in central Brussels increased by 14%, leading to higher customer dissatisfaction and additional costs for express logistics firms.

What are the Regulations and Initiatives which have Governed the Market

• EU Emission Norms and Green Logistics Mandates: Belgium, being part of the EU, is governed by stringent emission regulations under the European Green Deal. Logistics operators are required to adopt sustainable practices, including the use of electric or hybrid vehicles for urban deliveries and energy-efficient warehousing. In 2023, over 60% of new fleet additions in urban logistics were electric or CNG-powered, in compliance with regional green mandates.

• National Logistics Action Plan (2020–2025): The Federal Government of Belgium launched a strategic logistics roadmap focused on improving multimodal infrastructure, reducing carbon footprint, and digitizing freight movement. Under this initiative, EUR 300 million has been allocated for logistics innovation and infrastructure upgrades, particularly in rail and inland waterways, to reduce dependence on road transport.

• Customs and Trade Facilitation Reforms: Belgium’s customs procedures have undergone significant modernization under EU directives, enhancing efficiency for import/export logistics. The implementation of the Union Customs Code (UCC) has enabled faster clearance and reduced dwell times at ports. For instance, the Port of Antwerp reported a 9% improvement in customs clearance times in 2023 due to digital documentation and blockchain pilots.

Belgium Logistics and Warehousing Market Segmentation

• By Market Structure: The logistics market in Belgium is largely organized, with major global 3PL providers and multinational freight operators dominating the landscape due to their access to capital, advanced technologies, and integration across multimodal transport systems. However, unorganized and small regional operators continue to play a critical role in niche services such as regional courier deliveries, SME warehousing, and contract trucking. These players offer localized flexibility, competitive pricing, and personalized services, especially in secondary cities.

• By Mode of Transportation: Road freight remains the most dominant mode due to Belgium's dense highway network and its ability to offer door-to-door connectivity. It is followed by maritime freight, supported by the Port of Antwerp, which handles over 270 million tonnes of cargo annually. Rail and inland waterways are gaining momentum with EU support for greener transport modes. In 2023, rail and barge logistics together handled approximately 18% of total freight volume, largely for bulk goods and cross-border movement to Germany and the Netherlands.

• By Type of Warehousing: General warehousing and distribution centers form the backbone of Belgium’s warehousing segment, catering to FMCG, retail, and industrial clients. Specialized warehousing—such as temperature-controlled and bonded warehouses—is expanding due to the strong presence of pharmaceutical, food processing, and chemical industries. In 2023, cold chain warehouses accounted for approximately 14% of total warehousing space, with strong growth driven by exports of medical and biotech products.

Competitive Landscape in Belgium Logistics and Warehousing Market

The Belgium logistics and warehousing market is moderately consolidated, with a strong presence of global logistics firms, supported by a mix of regional players and niche service providers. The dominance of international companies such as DHL Supply Chain, Kuehne + Nagel, DSV, and DB Schenker is balanced by local specialists that focus on last-mile delivery, pharma logistics, and multimodal transport services. Recent advancements in automation, green logistics, and e-commerce fulfillment have intensified competition across the sector.

Some of the recent competitor trends and key information about competitors include:

• DHL Supply Chain: DHL has significantly expanded its warehousing footprint in Belgium, focusing on automation and green-certified facilities. In 2023, the company added over 50,000 sqm of warehousing space near Antwerp and launched an AI-enabled inventory tracking system, improving order accuracy by 18%.

• Kuehne + Nagel: Kuehne + Nagel reported a double-digit increase in e-commerce logistics revenues in Belgium, driven by its dedicated fulfillment hubs and investments in robotics. The firm’s logistics hub in Antwerp specializes in FMCG and pharma clients, offering cold chain and bonded warehousing capabilities.

• DSV: DSV completed the expansion of its Ghent mega-site in 2023, adding advanced sorting lines and EV-compatible loading bays. The site has become a model for sustainable logistics, operating on 100% renewable energy and offering integrated road-rail transport options.

• DB Schenker: With a strong multimodal logistics presence, DB Schenker has capitalized on EU green freight programs by shifting part of its volume from road to rail. In 2023, they launched a new digital booking platform in Belgium, leading to a 12% increase in customer acquisition for B2B clients.

• H.Essers: One of the largest Belgian-origin logistics companies, H.Essers specializes in pharma, chemicals, and high-security transport. In 2023, the company announced a EUR 40 million investment to upgrade its Genk facility into a state-of-the-art pharma campus with advanced cold storage zones.

• Ziegler Logistics: Ziegler has focused on urban logistics and sustainability, introducing e-cargo bikes and electric delivery vans for short-distance distribution in Brussels. Their 2023 initiative on carbon-neutral delivery solutions has received favorable responses from retail and healthcare clients.

• GLS Belgium: GLS has grown its last-mile delivery segment in response to rising e-commerce orders. In 2023, they launched a network of parcel lockers and expanded their express delivery network across Wallonia, boosting delivery capacity by 20% year-over-year.

What Lies Ahead for Belgium Logistics and Warehousing Market?

The Belgium logistics and warehousing market is projected to witness steady growth through 2029, driven by its strategic location, expanding e-commerce sector, and policy push towards green and multimodal logistics. The industry is expected to register a healthy CAGR over the forecast period, supported by public-private investments in infrastructure, digitalization, and sustainability.

• Expansion of Green Logistics and Net-Zero Warehousing: With the European Union’s Green Deal and Belgium’s own climate objectives, logistics players are expected to accelerate the adoption of carbon-neutral practices. This includes solar-powered warehouses, electric fleets, and energy-efficient building standards. By 2029, over 50% of newly constructed logistics facilities are expected to be green-certified, contributing to reduced carbon emissions and operational costs.

• Rise of E-Commerce Fulfillment Infrastructure: As online retail penetration continues to rise, demand for agile and decentralized fulfillment centers will grow. Belgium’s central location will further cement its position as a hub for cross-border e-commerce logistics. Micro-fulfillment centers near major cities and same-day delivery models are likely to gain prominence by 2026–2029, reshaping last-mile operations.

• Automation and Artificial Intelligence in Warehousing: The next wave of investment will be in automation technologies such as robotic picking, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and AI-powered warehouse management systems. These innovations will improve inventory turnover rates, reduce labor dependency, and boost overall operational efficiency. By 2029, it is estimated that over 30% of large logistics facilities in Belgium will operate semi-autonomously.

• Multimodal Infrastructure and Rail Freight Growth: To reduce road congestion and emissions, Belgium is expected to strengthen its multimodal freight corridors. Investments in inland waterways, combined with EU-backed rail connectivity upgrades, will promote modal shift from road to rail and barge. By 2029, multimodal freight is projected to account for nearly 25% of all freight volume handled, especially for industrial and bulk goods.

Belgium Logistics and Warehousing Market Segmentation

• By Market Structure:
o  Organized Logistics Providers
o  Unorganized and Regional Operators
o  3PL (Third-Party Logistics) Companies
o  4PL and Integrated Supply Chain Providers
o  Courier and Express Delivery Services
o  Cold Chain Logistics
o  Contract Warehousing
o  E-Commerce Fulfillment Centers

• By Mode of Transportation:
o  Road Transport
o  Rail Transport
o  Maritime Transport
o  Inland Waterways
o  Air Freight

• By Type of Warehousing:
o  General Warehousing
o  Cold Storage Warehousing
o  Bonded Warehousing
o  Automated Warehousing
o  Distribution Centers
o  Urban Micro-Fulfillment Centers

• By End-User Industry:
o  Retail & E-Commerce
o  FMCG & Consumer Goods
o  Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare
o  Automotive & Industrial Goods
o  Chemical & Hazardous Materials
o  Agriculture & Food Processing
o  Electronics & Technology

• By Region:
o  Flemish Region (e.g., Antwerp, Ghent, Leuven)
o  Brussels Capital Region
o  Walloon Region (e.g., Liège, Charleroi, Namur)

Players Mentioned in the Report:

• DHL Supply Chain
• Kuehne + Nagel
• DSV
• DB Schenker
• H.Essers
• Ziegler Logistics
• GLS Belgium
• UPS Supply Chain Solutions
• PostNL Belgium

Key Target Audience:

• Third-Party and Fourth-Party Logistics Providers
• Warehousing Infrastructure Developers
• E-Commerce Retailers
• Pharmaceutical and Cold Chain Distributors
• Automotive and Industrial Manufacturers
• Government Bodies (e.g., FPS Mobility and Transport, Belgian Customs)
• Trade Associations (e.g., Logistics in Wallonia, VIL)
• Investment and Infrastructure Funds

Time Period:

• Historical Period: 2018–2023
• Base Year: 2024
• Forecast Period: 2024–2029