E-commerce in Europe is not slowing down at all: is entering its most strategic phase. According to the study “The E-commerce Boom Isn't Over” According to Prologis Research, online demand is set to grow steadily, revolutionizing the logistics models of entire supply chains.
Italy now faces a choice: invest in digital and sustainable infrastructure or lose competitiveness.
European e-commerce: structural growth and new logistics needs
The share of e-commerce in continental Europe currently stands at around 10%, but an increase of up to is expected 13.4% by 2030.
In the UK the rate has already exceeded 32%, demonstrating how much headroom there is in our market.
According to Prologis data:
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Europe will need to 1.4–1.9 million m² of new logistics space per year in the next five years.
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In Italy, the estimated need is 3.3 million additional m² between now and 2030.
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E-commerce penetration in Italy will grow from11% at 14.4%, strengthening the role of regional warehouses.
Cross-border e-commerce: the role of global platforms
The boom of e-commerce cross-border is accelerating the transformation.
Platforms like Shein, Temu and Aliexpress already represent the 34% of orders in Spain and they have tripled their share in Germany by 2022.
These companies, with a direct-to-consumer model, are pushing towards:
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decentralized logistics,
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regional warehouses,
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localized inventory.
A possible one EU reform on the “de minimis” tax exemption It could reduce customs barriers and further incentivize the arrival of international operators, with significant effects on the logistics chain.
Cities and proximity: urban logistics becomes strategic
Same-day or 24-hour deliveries are no longer an extra, but the norm for digital consumers.
For this reason, proximity to urban centers is essential. New generation logistics properties will have to guarantee:
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widespread urban presence,
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modularity of spaces,
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last mile optimization through intelligent technologies.
Innovation, AI and Sustainability: The Key Assets of Modern Logistics
As also demonstrated by recent developments in Amazon, automation and sustainability they are now central criteria.
According to Marco Colombo, Vice President Southern Europe Leasing at Prologis:
“We are seeing a structural transformation of supply chains, driven by the need for greater speed, resilience and proximity to consumers. The interest in flexible and integrated solutions confirms the strategic importance of logistics as a competitive lever.”
The new logistics hubs will have to adopt:
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robotics and artificial intelligence for operational efficiency,
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Green buildings and zero-emission operations,
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Predictive analytics and real-time visibility for a transparent and responsive supply chain.
Italy must seize the opportunity
With an expected growth of the e-commerce logistics market that can triple by 2030, Italian companies have a great opportunity ahead of them.
But a change of pace is needed, based on:
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investments in digitalization of processes,
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public-private partnerships to develop smart logistics infrastructures,
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pay attention to models flexible, sustainable and scalable.
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