Will Poland Become the Largest Logistics Hub  in Central Europe? 

Poland has a very strong chance of becoming the most important logistics hub in Central Europe.  This is driven by its geographic location, proximity to Germany, developed motorway network,  growing warehouse market, strong demand for logistics space, development of seaports and  intermodal transport, as well as planned infrastructure investments such as the Central  Communication Port. 

Companies are increasingly looking for locations that allow them to serve several markets at the  same time, shorten delivery times, and reduce operational risk. Poland responds very well to these  needs. 

For the commercial real estate market, this means the continued growth of modern warehouses,  distribution centres, logistics parks, Class A space, and facilities dedicated to e-commerce, 3PL  operators, and light manufacturing. 

The question is no longer whether Poland is an important logistics market in Europe. The real  question is whether Poland can become the most important logistics centre in Central Europe. 

Poland as a Logistics Hub in Central Europe: Key Arguments 

What Does a Logistics Hub Mean? 

A logistics hub is a location or country that serves as a centre for distribution, warehousing,  transshipment, and supply chain operations for a wider region. 

It is not only about the number of warehouses. A true logistics hub must combine several elements:

good geographic location, 

access to motorways and expressways, 

rail and intermodal connections, 

proximity to seaports, 

a large stock of modern warehouse space, 

labour availability, 

economic stability, 

competitive costs, 

access to large consumer markets, 

and the ability to serve several countries from one location. 

Poland increasingly meets these conditions. This is why it is often viewed as one of the strongest  candidates to become the leading logistics hub in Central Europe. 

Why Is Central Europe Gaining Importance? 

Central Europe has become one of the most important regions for companies that want to shorten  supply chains and serve European markets from one location. 

This is mainly driven by three trends. 

The first is nearshoring, meaning the relocation of production and logistics closer to customers. 

The second is friendshoring, meaning locating production and supply chains in politically and  economically stable partner countries. 

The third is the need for greater supply chain resilience after the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the  energy crisis, disruptions in maritime transport, and trade tensions. 

According to McKinsey, companies can expect supply chain disruptions lasting one month or  longer to occur on average every 3.7 years. This means that disruptions are no longer an exception.  They are now a factor that must be included in logistics strategy. 

In this environment, locations close to customers, with strong infrastructure and the ability to  respond quickly to changing demand, are becoming increasingly important. 

Why Does Poland Have an Advantage Over Other Countries  in the Region? 

Central Europe includes several attractive markets, including the Czech Republic, Slovakia,  Hungary, Romania, and Poland. Each of these countries has its own advantages, but Poland stands  out because of its scale.

Poland is the largest economy in Central Europe. It has a large domestic market, borders Germany,  has access to the Baltic Sea, a developed motorway network, and one of the largest stocks of  modern warehouse space in Europe. 

According to CBRE, at the end of the fourth quarter of 2025, Poland’s total warehouse and logistics  stock reached 36.6 million sqm, representing a 5.9% year-on-year increase. CBRE indicates that  this level of supply strengthens Poland’s position among the largest warehouse markets in Europe. 

By comparison, many other Central European countries have a more limited market scale, a smaller  domestic market, or stronger dependence on selected sectors of the economy, such as automotive.  This economic diversification is a major advantage for Poland. A logistics hub cannot rely on only  one industry. It must serve multiple sectors, including e-commerce, retail, 3PL, automotive, light  manufacturing, FMCG, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and international trade. 

Poland as a Warehouse Market: Scale Matters 

The warehouse market in Poland has already reached a scale that allows it to be described as one of  the most important logistics markets in Europe. 

According to Knight Frank, by the end of 2025, Poland’s total stock of modern warehouse space  exceeded 36.6 million sqm. In 2025, demand for warehouse space reached 6.6 million sqm, which  was the third-highest result in the history of the Polish market. 

These are very important figures. They show that Poland is no longer an emerging market in the  traditional sense. It is a large and liquid logistics market where international developers, investment  funds, logistics operators, and global occupiers are active. 

Strong demand also means that warehouse space in Poland is not being developed only  speculatively. The market is driven by real needs from logistics, retail, manufacturing, and e commerce companies. 

Demand Is Generated by Many Sectors 

One of the reasons why Poland may become the largest logistics hub in Central Europe is the  diversity of demand. 

In 2025, demand for warehouse space in Poland was driven mainly by 3PL operators and retail  chains. Light manufacturing also played an increasingly important role, accounting for  approximately 15% of total leasing volume. 

This is very important. If a warehouse market is based on many sectors, it is more resilient to a  slowdown in any single industry. 

In Poland, demand for warehouses is generated by: 

3PL logistics operators, 

retail chains, 

e-commerce, 

FMCG,

automotive, 

light manufacturing, 

electronics, 

household appliances, 

pharmaceuticals, 

packaging, 

distribution companies, 

cross-border logistics, 

and companies handling returns and fulfilment. 

Such a broad occupier base increases market stability and strengthens Poland’s position as a  logistics centre for the region. 

Geographic Location: Poland Between East and West 

One of the strongest arguments in favour of Poland is its geographic location. 

Poland lies between Western and Eastern Europe. It connects Germany, the Czech Republic,  Slovakia, the Baltic states, Ukraine, and Scandinavia. As a result, it can serve as a distribution  centre for many directions at the same time. 

For logistics companies, this means the ability to serve several markets from one location. For manufacturers, it means the ability to place inventory closer to customers. For e-commerce, it means shorter delivery times. 

For investors, it means greater potential demand for modern logistics space. 

This location makes Poland more than just a local warehouse market. It is a regional market capable  of serving a significant part of Central Europe. 

Proximity to Germany as Poland’s Greatest Advantage 

Poland’s single greatest advantage is its proximity to Germany. 

Germany is Europe’s largest economy, one of the most important consumer markets, and a centre of  industry, exports, and trade. For companies serving the German market, a location on the Polish  side of the border can be very attractive. 

It allows them to benefit from lower operating costs than in many German locations, while still  maintaining fast access to German customers, factories, ports, retail centres, and logistics operators. 

This is why western Poland is so important. Regions located near the German border may become a  natural logistics base for companies operating in the European market.

The A2 Motorway as a Logistics Corridor 

One of Poland’s most important transport corridors is the A2 motorway. 

The A2 connects the German border with Poznań, Łódź, Warsaw, and further eastern routes. From a  logistics perspective, it is one of the most important transport axes in the country. 

For logistics operators, the A2 provides access to both the German and Polish markets. For e-commerce companies, it supports faster delivery to major urban areas. For manufacturers, it provides access to supplier and customer networks. 

For warehouse investors, it identifies locations with strong leasing potential. 

This is why warehouse space along the A2 motorway may become increasingly important,  especially in western Poland and near the German border. 

Western Poland as a Logistics Gateway to Germany 

Western Poland may be one of the biggest beneficiaries of Poland’s development as a logistics hub  in Central Europe. 

Locations close to the German border are particularly important, including Świecko, Słubice, the  areas around Poznań, Gorzów Wielkopolski, Zielona Góra, and Wrocław. 

Such locations make it possible to serve: 

the German market, 

the Polish market, 

the Czech Republic, 

the Benelux countries, 

Scandinavia through seaports, 

Central Europe, 

and cross-border distribution. 

For many companies, western Poland may be an alternative to expensive and limited warehouse  locations in Germany. This is especially important for businesses that need large spaces, flexible  modules, or the ability to expand in stages. 

Seaports and Intermodal Transport 

A strong logistics hub cannot be based only on road transport. Seaports, rail, container terminals,  and intermodal transport are becoming increasingly important.

Poland has access to the Baltic Sea and developing ports in Gdańsk, Gdynia, Szczecin, and  Świnoujście. This allows the country to handle both European transport and global maritime trade. 

The development of intermodal transport is particularly important for companies that want to  reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and diversify their delivery methods. In the long term, the  combination of roads, railways, and seaports will be one of the conditions for Poland’s continued  growth as a logistics hub. 

The Central Communication Port as Another Impulse for  Logistics Development in Poland 

An additional argument in favour of Poland’s development as a logistics hub in Central Europe is  the planned Central Communication Port. The Central Communication Port is intended not only as  a new airport, but primarily as a major transport hub integrating air, rail, and road transport. 

According to information reported by Reuters, the project is expected to move forward, with the  aim of building a large airport in central Poland, near Baranów, designed to handle approximately  34 million passengers per year in the first phase and to be connected with a high-speed rail network. 

From the perspective of the warehouse market, the importance of the Central Communication Port  should be analysed more broadly than only through passenger traffic. In the long term, this type of  investment may strengthen the country’s entire transport infrastructure, improve rail and road  accessibility, and increase Poland’s importance as a point for receiving, handling, and distributing  goods from different parts of the world. 

The rail component of the Central Communication Port is particularly important. The development  of new rail connections and high-speed rail may improve links between the country’s largest  economic regions. For logistics, this means better integration of warehouses, seaports, production  centres, intermodal terminals, and major metropolitan areas. 

The Central Communication Port may also be important for handling high-value goods, air cargo, e commerce, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and companies requiring fast international distribution. It  will not replace seaports or road transport, but it may become an additional element of a larger  logistics system. 

The Central Communication Port should not be treated as the only argument supporting Poland’s  position in European logistics, as the project is still in progress. However, it may become an  important element of Poland’s long-term infrastructure advantage. If successfully combined with  the development of roads, railways, seaports, and intermodal terminals, it could strengthen Poland’s  role as a country capable of handling the flow of goods between Western, Central, and Eastern  Europe. 

For warehouse investors, this means that Poland may benefit not only from the current scale of its  market, but also from planned infrastructure investments. Modern warehouses, distribution centres,  and logistics parks located along major transport corridors may become even more important in the  coming years. 

Poland Compared with the Czech Republic, Slovakia,  Hungary, and Romania

Can Poland really become the leader of Central Europe? 

The Czech Republic has strong industrial traditions, proximity to Germany, and a well-developed  automotive sector. Its limitation, however, is a smaller market scale and limited land availability in  the best locations. 

Slovakia is strongly connected with the automotive sector, but its market is much smaller. 

Hungary has a good regional location and significant manufacturing investments, but its advantage  is more focused on the south-eastern direction of Europe. 

Romania is gaining importance thanks to its location on the Black Sea, the port of Constanța, and  growing production, but its road infrastructure remains less developed than Poland’s. 

Poland combines several advantages at the same time: scale, location, proximity to Germany, access  to the sea, infrastructure, a large domestic market, and a developed warehouse market. It is this  combination that makes Poland a strong candidate to become the main logistics hub in Central  Europe. 

Can Poland Compete with Germany? 

Poland will not replace Germany as Europe’s largest economy. That is not the point of this  comparison. 

However, Poland may become the most important complement to the German logistics market. 

For German companies, Poland can be a location for additional warehouses, distribution centres,  safety stock, light manufacturing, and cross-border operations. 

In this model, Poland is not simply competing with Germany. Poland becomes a gateway to the  German market and a logistics base for Western Europe. 

This is a very important shift. In previous decades, Poland was often seen as a lower-cost  manufacturing base. Today, it can increasingly be seen as a strategic element of the European  supply system. 

The Impact of E-Commerce on Poland’s Development as a  Logistics Hub 

E-commerce is one of the most important drivers of warehouse market growth. 

Customers expect fast deliveries, broad product availability, and easy returns. This requires modern  fulfilment centres, buffer warehouses, and well-designed distribution networks. 

Poland can play an important role in serving e-commerce across Central and Western Europe. This  is supported by: 

a large consumer base, 

a central location within the region, 

access to major cities,

modern warehouses, 

lower costs than in Western Europe, 

and the ability to serve cross-border markets. 

For e-commerce companies, a warehouse location in Poland may offer a strong balance between  cost and delivery speed. 

Nearshoring Strengthens Poland’s Position 

Nearshoring, or the relocation of production and logistics closer to target markets, is one of the most  important trends supporting Poland. 

Companies no longer want to rely only on very long supply chains from Asia. Increasingly, they are  building additional operations in Europe. Poland can become such a base for companies from  Germany, France, the Benelux countries, Scandinavia, and Central Europe. 

Nearshoring increases demand not only for traditional warehouses, but also for production and  warehouse facilities, BTS projects, logistics parks with expansion potential, and space for light  manufacturing. 

This is especially important for regions with strong connections to Germany. Gateway A2 in Świecko as an Example of a Strategic Location 

One example of a location that fits very well into the vision of Poland as a logistics hub in Central  Europe is Świecko. 

Świecko is located directly on the German border and next to the A2 motorway. This location  makes it possible to serve both the Polish and German markets from one logistics centre. 

Gateway A2 in Świecko is an example of an investment responding to the needs of modern  logistics. It may be attractive for companies looking for: 

warehouse space near the German border, 

modern Class A space, 

a location along the A2 motorway, 

a distribution centre for Poland and Germany, 

a base for e-commerce, 

space for 3PL operators, 

space for light manufacturing, 

a location supporting cross-border logistics, 

and the ability to serve several markets from one place.

At a time when warehouse location is becoming part of business strategy, places such as Świecko  may become increasingly important. 

What Conditions Must Poland Meet to Become the Leader? 

Despite its strong position, Poland is not guaranteed to become the largest logistics hub in Central  Europe. To maintain and strengthen its advantage, further development is needed. 

The most important challenges include: 

continued development of road and rail infrastructure, 

modernisation of intermodal transport, 

effective implementation of strategic investments such as the Central Communication Port, greater availability of energy for large occupiers, 

development of renewable energy sources at warehouse facilities, 

more efficient administrative procedures, 

availability of investment land, 

development of workforce skills, 

warehouse automation, 

digitalisation of logistics, 

and maintaining competitive costs. 

If Poland continues to develop these areas consistently, its position as the logistics leader of the  region will strengthen. 

Key Takeaways 

Poland has a real chance to become the largest logistics hub in Central Europe. 

Poland’s main advantages are its location, proximity to Germany, market scale, infrastructure, and  large stock of modern warehouses. 

At the end of 2025, Poland had 36.6 million sqm of modern warehouse space. 

Warehouse take-up in Poland reached 6.6 million sqm in 2025, the third-highest result in the history  of the market. 

Poland’s economy is more diversified than some other Central European countries, which increases  its resilience. 

E-commerce, nearshoring, 3PL, retail, and light manufacturing will continue to drive demand for  modern logistics space.

The Central Communication Port may strengthen Poland’s long-term position as a multimodal  transport centre, especially if it is successfully integrated with rail, road, seaport, and intermodal  infrastructure. 

Western Poland and locations near the German border may be particularly important for the  development of cross-border logistics. 

Gateway A2 in Świecko fits the most important trends related to serving the German market and  Poland’s development as a logistics hub. 

FAQ: Poland as a Logistics Hub in Central Europe Is Poland already a logistics hub in Central Europe? 

Yes. Poland is already one of the most important logistics hubs in Central Europe. This is confirmed  by the scale of the warehouse market, tenant demand, the presence of global logistics operators, and  developed road infrastructure. 

Can Poland become the largest logistics hub in the region? 

Yes. Poland has the largest domestic market in Central Europe, a very large stock of warehouse  space, access to Germany, seaports, and a developed motorway network. This gives it an advantage  over many competing countries in the region. 

Why is proximity to Germany so important? 

Germany is Europe’s largest economy. A location in Poland, especially near the western border,  allows companies to serve the German market while maintaining competitive operating costs. 

Which sectors are driving the development of Poland’s warehouse market? 

The most important sectors include 3PL operators, retail, e-commerce, FMCG, automotive, light  manufacturing, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and companies involved in cross-border distribution. 

Is the A2 motorway important for logistics? 

Yes. The A2 motorway is one of the most important transport corridors in Poland. It connects the  German border with Poznań, Łódź, and Warsaw, giving it strategic importance for logistics and  manufacturing companies. 

Can the Central Communication Port strengthen Poland’s position as a logistics  hub? 

Yes, but in the long term. The Central Communication Port may increase Poland’s importance as a  multimodal transport hub, especially if it is connected with the development of railways, roads,  seaports, and intermodal terminals. For the warehouse market, this may mean better integration of  national infrastructure and greater attractiveness of locations along major transport corridors. 

Why can western Poland benefit the most?

Western Poland combines proximity to Germany, access to the A2 motorway, lower costs than in  Germany, and the ability to serve several markets from one location. This makes it attractive for  logistics, manufacturing, and e-commerce companies. 

Does Gateway A2 fit this trend? 

Yes. Gateway A2 in Świecko is located near the German border and the A2 motorway. It is a  location that can support companies looking for modern warehouse space to serve the Polish,  German, and wider European markets. 

Summary 

Poland has very strong foundations to become the largest logistics hub in Central Europe. It  combines a strategic location, proximity to Germany, a dynamic warehouse market, strong demand,  developing infrastructure, and a diversified tenant base. 

In the coming years, Poland’s importance will be further strengthened by nearshoring, e-commerce,  the development of contract logistics, the need to shorten supply chains, and the growing  importance of operational security. 

The Central Communication Port may also become an important element of Poland’s long-term  advantage, provided it is effectively integrated with the development of rail, road, seaport, and  intermodal infrastructure. Such investments may increase Poland’s ability to handle the flow of  

goods from different parts of the world and distribute them further across Central and Western  Europe. 

The strongest growth potential will be found in locations that make it possible to serve several  markets quickly and efficiently. Western Poland, the A2 motorway, and areas near the German  border will be particularly important. 

In this context, Świecko and the Gateway A2 project may serve as an example of a location that  responds to the needs of modern, cross-border European logistics. 

What Comes Next? 

If Poland is to become the largest logistics hub in Central Europe, the next natural question is: what  does this mean for investors? The growing role of logistics, nearshoring, e-commerce, long lease  agreements, and stable demand mean that warehouses are increasingly seen as one of the safest  categories of commercial real estate. 

In the next article, we will analyse the topic: Why Are Warehouses Today One of the Safest  Types of Commercial Real Estate? We will explain where lease stability comes from, why tenants  sign long-term agreements, and what makes modern logistics space attractive to investors even in a  changing economic environment.