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 the vacancy rate reaching only 8,10% in the last quarter of 2024, according to Buildings, company reference in real estate market intelligence, and billion-dollar investments in infrastructure, the sector is experiencing a boom that redefines the distribution chain in the country. There are cases where the vacancy rate was even lower, how theSort Investments, specialized in the sector, that had a percentage of, impressive, 0,5% in the period and the value of the square meter that exceeds R$ 5.500, with a projected appreciation of 20% by the end of this year
The accelerated expansion of Shopee's operations, that in just five years recorded growth of 5.000% in the occupancy of logistics spaces, it is a direct reflection of this transformation. According to Buildings, the retail giant already leases 717 thousand m² in 68 locations spread across the country, being 622 thousand m² already in operation. New facilities in Itajaí, Guarulhos, Caxias and the Federal District show that the retailer has been aggressively expanding its distribution network
Sort Investimentos has a strong presence throughout the state of Santa Catarina, especially in the cities of Itajaí, Navigators, Araquari and Garuva, considered strategic for the establishment of large logistics distribution centers. The privileged location of these regions, allied to 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, since the trend is for an even more accelerated appreciation of these assets. We are facing a unique opportunity, in what the growth of e-commerce, allied to the scarcity of available spaces, should drive a new cycle of appreciation in the logistics sector, says Douglas Curi, specialist in the field and partner at Sort Investimentos
In the last quarter, the company's negotiations totaled more than R$ 70 million, 30% growth compared to the previous period. Currently, the company manages R$ 8 billion in assets, being R$ 3,5 billion just in logistics warehouses that total more than 553 thousand square meters
The war for square meters
If Shopee is rushing to consolidate, Mercado Livre already dominates this segment, with a stock of 2,4 million m² spread across 74 industrial occupations in Brazil, according to data from Buildings. 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 just at the beginning of a complete reconfiguration of Brazilian logistics. In this scenario, the Triple A warehouses, with advanced technology and high operational efficiency, should become the most valued assets of the next decade, concludes
