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Waypoint: Global Industrial Dynamics 2026

Navigating Industrial Real Estate in a Changing Global Landscape

Global supply chains are operating in a period of structural uncertainty. Disruption is no longer episodic; it is embedded in day-to-day operations. As businesses adapt, real estate has become a critical element in building more resilient, flexible and cost-efficient supply chain strategies.

Waypoint: Global Industrial Dynamics 2026 provides a comprehensive view across 135 logistics and industrial markets worldwide. The report identifies how shifting cost dynamics, evolving demand drivers and changing market conditions are reshaping occupier behaviour and real estate decision-making across the Americas, APAC and EMEA.

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Key Global Themes

Uncertainty as a Structural Force

Supply chains are being redesigned for resilience in an environment defined by geopolitical risk, cost volatility and disruption. Businesses are balancing short-term adaptability with long-term strategic commitments, supported by technology, automation and energy transition initiatives.

Rising Costs, Diverging Trends

Key cost components—rent, labour and electricity—continue to rise, reinforcing the need for proactive network planning and budgeting. However, significant differences exist between and within regions, with local market conditions shaping trajectories.

A Shifting Market Balance

Market conditions remain broadly tenant-favourable today, but this is expected to change. Over the next three years, many markets are forecast to move toward more neutral and landlord-favourable conditions as vacancy stabilises and supply tightens.

Evolving Demand Drivers

While e-commerce, retail distribution and manufacturing remain core drivers, new sources of demand are emerging. Energy, technology, aerospace and cold storage are increasingly shaping occupier requirements and influencing location strategy.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Americas

Market conditions are evolving rapidly as supply-demand dynamics rebalance. Occupier strategies continue to be shaped by operational and cost efficiencies, while cost pressures and stabilising vacancy are driving a shift toward more balanced—and increasingly landlord-favourable—conditions.

EMEA

The region is navigating rising costs, regulatory complexity and shifting occupier behaviour. While availability has increased in some markets, supply constraints persist in key locations. Demand remains resilient, supported by structural drivers and continued investor conviction.

APAC

Across APAC, market conditions remain dynamic and varied, with growth being driven e-commerce expansions, manufacturing and urbanisation. While some markets face rising vacancy from new supply, others remain constrained, and demand continues to support competition for space.

REGIONAL CONTACTS


AMER CONTACTS

Jason Tolliver
President, Americas Logistics & Industrial Services

Benjamin Harris
Head of Industrial Consulting, Americas

EMEA CONTACTS

Tim Crighton
International Partner

Michael Carson
Partner

Jeff Alson
International Partner

APAC CONTACTS

Dennis Yeo
Head of Investor Services, APAC

Michael Carson
Partner

Why Waypoint Matters


Explore global patterns and regional strategies shaping the future of industrial real estate

Industrial real estate is becoming more complex as costs shift, demand evolves and market conditions tighten. A waypoint represents a point of reference in a changing environment to provide clarity on where you stand and what comes next.

This report brings together the key forces shaping global logistics and industrial markets to help you understand what is changing, where pressures are building and how to respond. It provides the insight needed to prioritise decisions, manage risk and act with confidence.

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Authors

Sally Bruer
Sally Bruer

Head of EMEA Logistics & Industrial and Retail Research
London, United Kingdom

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Dominic Brown

Head of International Research, Global Think Tank
Brisbane, Australia

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Jason-Price-2022-Headshot
Jason Price

Senior Director, Americas Head of Logistics & Industrial Research, Global Research
Iselin, United States

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