Araquari, a city neighboring industrial hubs like Joinville and the ports of São Francisco do Sul and Itajaí on the coast of Santa Catarina, is on the radar of major international investors. Recently, a Chinese delegation visited the region to negotiate a billion-dollar project that includes a multimodal complex with a private airport, hotels, and a large logistics center, valued at $13 billion. With the advancement of projects like this, coupled with the presence of major industries such as BMW, the local logistics market is expected to continue expanding rapidly, according to Sort Investimentos. The company, which specializes in warehouse and logistics park transactions, emphasizes that the sector is booming in Brazil, driven by e-commerce, which has increased demand for storage and distribution spaces.
Expansion of the logistics market and economic impacts
In recent years, the logistics warehouse sector has seen significant growth in Brazil. According to the Brazilian Logistics Association (ABRALOG), demand for storage spaces has risen by 30% in two years, driven mainly by the increase in online sales. This trend has been even more intense on the northern coast of Santa Catarina, where demand for logistics areas has practically doubled compared to the national average.
Sort Investimentos highlights that Araquari is among the standout locations in the sector, with over R$70 million in recent transactions. ‘The e-commerce boom has created an urgent need for logistics infrastructure, driving the search for warehouses for storage and distribution,’ says Renato Monteiro, CEO of Sort Investimentos.
Araquari’s strategic location is one of the main factors explaining investor interest. Close to major economic hubs like Joinville and Itajaí, and with easy access to the ports of São Francisco do Sul and Itajaí, the city has established itself as a strategic point for logistics operations.
‘Araquari and nearby cities like Itajaí, Navegantes, and Garuva account for over R$3.5 billion in logistics assets advised by us. However, only 10% of these areas are still available for negotiation, showing the rapid pace of investments. In places like Araquari, the price per square meter can appreciate by more than 30% annually, justifying the rush of investors for these opportunities,’ Monteiro highlights.
