The advancement of e-commerce in Brazil has transformed the logistics real estate market and turned industrial warehouses into highly sought-after strategic assets by giants like Shopee, Mercado Livre, and Amazon. With vacancy rates reaching just 8.10% in the last quarter of 2024, according to Buildings, a leading real estate market intelligence company, and billions in infrastructure investments, the sector is experiencing a boom that is redefining the distribution chain in the country. There are cases where the vacancy rate was even lower, such as Sort Investimentos, specialized in the sector, which had an impressive vacancy rate of 0.5% during the period and a square meter value exceeding R$5,500, with an expected appreciation of 20% by the end of this year.
The accelerated expansion of Shopee’s operations, which saw a 5,000% growth in logistics space occupancy in just five years, is a direct reflection of this transformation. According to Buildings, the retail giant already leases 717,000 m² across 68 locations nationwide, with 622,000 m² already operational. New facilities in Itajaí, Guarulhos, Caxias, and the Federal District show that the retailer is aggressively expanding its distribution network.
Sort Investimentos has a strong presence throughout the state of Santa Catarina, especially in the cities of Itajaí, Navegantes, Araquari, and Garuva, which are considered strategic for the installation of large logistics distribution centers. The privileged location of these regions, combined with quality port and road infrastructure, has attracted the attention of major market players.
“The logistics market has become one of the most strategic sectors for investors seeking high profitability and asset security. The projected increase in demand in the coming months indicates that this is the ideal time to invest, as the trend points to even faster appreciation of these assets. We are facing a unique opportunity where e-commerce growth, coupled with the scarcity of available spaces, should drive a new cycle of appreciation in the logistics sector,” says Douglas Curi, an expert in the field and partner at Sort Investimentos.
In the last quarter, the company’s transactions totaled over R$70 million, a 30% growth compared to the previous period. Currently, the company manages R$8 billion in assets, including R$3.5 billion in logistics warehouses alone, totaling more than 553,000 square meters.
The battle for square meters
While Shopee races to consolidate its position, Mercado Livre already dominates this segment, with a stock of 2.4 million m² spread across 74 industrial locations in Brazil, according to Buildings data. The Argentine giant has been continuously expanding its operations, investing in new logistics centers to maintain its leadership position.
“With the strengthening of infrastructure and the arrival of new international players, we are only at the beginning of a complete reconfiguration of Brazilian logistics. In this scenario, Triple A warehouses, with advanced technology and high operational efficiency, are set to become the most valued assets of the next decade,” he concludes.
