Introduction
Despite uncertainty caused by U.S. tariff policies, the specialized industrial real estate sector in Mexico’s logistics industry maintains strong occupancy levels, driven by the e-commerce boom.
Experts’ Perspective
According to Luis Gutiérrez, former general director of Prologis, by 2025, logistics companies will represent two-thirds of the demand for industrial parks. This shift signifies a transformation in the industrial real estate landscape, as logistics begins to surpass manufacturing as the primary demand driver.
Context and Impact
Gutiérrez explains that the logistics demand is greater due to Mexico’s large population. Currently, only 15% of total retail sales occur online in Mexico, compared to 30% in other countries. This indicates significant growth potential for e-commerce.
This trend highlights the strategic role of domestic consumption and product distribution in the e-commerce era, contrasting with manufacturing sectors affected by international trade policy changes.
Key Geographical Focus: Mexico City
A crucial location for e-commerce is Mexico City, where the planned industrial projects exceed 2 million square meters, according to CBRE Mexico data.
The consultancy notes that Mexico City remains one of the country’s most attractive logistics markets due to its high population density, strong internal demand, and strategic territorial reserve. Despite global challenges, the occupancy of logistics parks in this region remains robust.
Investment Plans
Proximity Parks, an industrial park developer specializing in logistics, has seen a 20% annual growth in demand due to the rise in online sales.
Mario Berlanga, co-founder and CEO of Proximity Parks, states that the company’s portfolio surpasses 400,000 square meters, with 96% occupied. Notable tenants include Mercado Libre and FedEx.
Berlanga emphasizes that unlike manufacturing, which is currently facing tariff challenges, logistics parks are driven by domestic consumption and e-commerce growth. He notes that online shopping has increased by double digits, ensuring continued growth for their segment despite global challenges.
Future Investments
Proximity Parks plans to invest $6 billion in acquiring and constructing logistics industrial parks in Mexico City, Monterrey, Nuevo León, and Guadalajara, Jalisco over the next three years.
In 2025 alone, the firm will add six projects totaling 120,000 square meters.
“We are in a very defensive sector, and we believe it will continue to perform well regardless of global developments. Our clients keep growing, and they need to be closer to consumers,” Berlanga stated.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is driving the demand for industrial parks in Mexico? The e-commerce boom is the primary driver, with logistics companies accounting for two-thirds of demand by 2025.
- How does the Mexico City market compare to other regions? Mexico City remains one of the most attractive logistics markets due to its high population density, strong internal demand, and strategic territorial reserve.
- What are Proximity Parks’ investment plans? The company plans to invest $6 billion in acquiring and constructing logistics industrial parks in Mexico City, Monterrey, Nuevo León, and Guadalajara, Jalisco over the next three years.
- What factors ensure continued growth for Proximity Parks? The rise in online shopping ensures continued growth for the logistics park segment, despite global challenges.
