Apac logistic occupiers more cautious, but most still looking to expand: CBRE survey
Generally, 44% of CBRE’s poll respondents suggested trade-related regulatory difficulties as a significant issue, up from 32% in 2023. Nonetheless, respondents remained to rate economic unpredictability and cost acceleration as the two greatest obstacles facing occupiers in the following two years, at 60% and 56%, specifically.
CBRE’s questionnaire even uncovered a switch amongst occupiers towards more cost-driven real estate techniques. Respondents rated lower rents and better lease terms as the top factors influencing relocations and lease renewals, whilst lots of are also looking for proximity to transport centers, customer bases, and supply chains to enhance functional effectiveness.
Graeme adds that government-led infrastructure financial investments, integrated with growth by top-tier logistics competitors and durable resources inflows into modern logistics assets, are strengthening Singapore’s role in the worldwide supply chain.
Nonetheless, expansion appetite varies across individual markets. Based on the poll responses, India, the Middle East and Korea recorded the highest net expansion interest at 66%, 49% and 40%, respectively. Vietnam (34%), Singapore (33%) and the Philippines (33%) registered the next-highest attention levels, adhered to by Thailand (28%) and Australia (25%).
The study, which collected answers from over 380 business around Apac in between March and April, found that occupiers in China mostly drove the more cautious view, because of potential unfavorable impacts from tougher United States trade protocol. Almost 70% of respondents in mainland China identified trade doubt as their leading hurdle in the following two years.
Logistics occupiers in Asia Pacific (Apac) continue to be confident in continued business prospects, despite expanding cautiousness amidst recurring trade regulation unpredictability. According to CBRE’s 2025 Asia Pacific Logistics Occupier Report, near-term assurance amongst occupiers has declined this year, with 69% expecting business efficiency to enhance in the subsequent 2 years, compared to 81% in 2023.
Despite the unpredictable worldwide trade environment, lots of occupants are looking beyond temporary market volatility, states CBRE. Some 76% of its questionnaire respondents suggested plans to broaden their real estate account size in the next 3 to five years, signalling positive outlook throughout the medium- to long-term outlook and a solid hunger for development, the company adds in.
According to CBRE, Singapore continues to stand apart amongst logistics occupants, especially for hi-tech production and life technologies sectors. “Singapore remains to draw international occupants, because of its credibility as a strategically found, neutral, and steady logistics center,” states Graeme Bolin, CBRE’s Singapore head of occupier and leasing for industrial and logistics services.
