Germany’s logistics performance receives international recognition – medium-term growth potential modest

The strength and efficiency of German logistics companies is ultimately a
key factor in this excellent result. These companies range from major global
players that are holding their ground on the international stage to small and
medium-sized enterprises that focus on specific regions or products as well as
customer-specific logistics services and are successful in niche markets.

Ultimately, the aforementioned conditions indicate that the German logistics
sector has the potential to continue achieving turnover growth going forward.

From 2016 to 2020, nominal turnover growth in the German logistics sector will
probably come in at just over 2% a year on average, a decline in momentum
compared to the previous ten years. Some parts of the sector, such as contract
logistics and the provision of value-added services, essentially offer
opportunities for higher growth.

At the same time, many companies will not be
able to provide such services due to insufficient financial or human resources. In
particular, the transport segments within the logistics sector are likely to remain
at the centre of environmental and climate policy regulation when it comes to
limits on CO2, pollutant and noise emissions, for example. Policymakers will use
a variety of instruments here, such as regulatory law (decrees and bans), taxes
and changes to tolls for heavy goods vehicles.

Short-term changes could prove
expensive for the industry, which is why higher costs are to be expected.