Slovakia benefits from its location in the center of Europe which makes it an ideal regional hub for a transportation and logistics network. High industrial growth, based mainly on the automotive industry, combined with a qualified and cheap labor force have driven the expansion of the logistics industry in the country. Bratislava is the country’s biggest logistics hub and is home to the main international airport. The majority of the exports from Slovakia are destined for the Eurozone, and thus, the country has well-integrated road and rail networks to ensure safe and efficient passage of the cargo.
Slovak road freight transport is dynamic. Despite being a small country with a small economic size, the country’s road sector ranks 12th in Europe with respect to total activity and 6th for international activity as the country benefits from its favorable geographical location. The Slovak government is also putting efforts to expand rail infrastructure in the country, including the construction of a new intermodal terminal and a global logistics and industrial park in the eastern city of Kosice. Automotive logistics is thriving in the country and the vehicles are distributed by multimodal transport, with around 50% currently being transported by rail.
Slovakia is also attracting logistics investments by retailers. For instance, discount grocery retailer Lidl invested EUR 200 million in Slovakia over the 2014-2018 period and built one of the largest distribution control systems in southern Slovakia. The express and parcels market is the fastest growing logistics market in the country and has been driven by e-commerce which is estimated to be worth USD 1 billion by 2021 in Slovakia.
Key Market Trends
Warehousing Growth in Slovakia
Logistics operators and automotive producers remain the main drivers of demand for warehousing spaces in Slovakia. The country is witnessing increased demand from current players who are looking for expansion and new companies looking for new premises. The development of warehouse space in 2016 stood at nearly 147,685 sqm of logistics and warehouse space and the total Slovak stock reached 1.67 million sqm. In 2018, the total area increased to nearly 175,000 sqm with the increasing demand from the automotive industry and primarily car manufacturers. Around 248,000 sqm of additional warehouses are currently under active construction in the country.
Owing to the increasing demand for logistics facilities in the country, Slovakia is also going to open a major warehouse park "Mountpark" which will be designed to serve as a major logistics center and warehouse accommodation that will benefit from the skilled and educated labor force. The units will range from 10,000 sq. m. to 85,000 sq. m. and construction is expected to begin in 2020. It will be located close to major manufacturing facilities, Bratislava International Airport, the city centre, and will establish easy connections to the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Austria.
Increasing Demand for Logistics Services from Automotive Industry
Slovakia’s automotive industry is very integral to its logistics industry. Companies like Volkswagen and Audi have plants in Bratislava, PSA Peugeot Citroen has plants in Trnava, Kia Motors is based in Zilina. Volkswagen, PSA, Kia, and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) together with their tier one and tier two suppliers generate nearly 44% of the country’s total industrial production and 40% of its exports, worth USD 29.1 billion per year. Slovakia is known for having the world’s highest rate of per capita finished vehicle production and in 2018 this stood at 200 vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants and it is expected that the per capita figure will grow to 249 by 2020.
In Slovakia’s finished vehicle logistics industry, one of the most important trends is a shift from trucks to rail which is intended to reduce emissions. Logistics providers are taking advantage of government investment in infrastructure and using rail to cut emissions. Nearly half of the wagons from Slovakia are transported by rail either to final destinations or ports. Since Slovakia is a land-locked country, manufactured vehicles are transported by trains and trucks.
Competitive Landscape
The Slovakia freight and logistics market is highly competitive with the presence of many local and international players. Companies operating in Slovakia face moderate risk in relation to transporting their goods to and from the country. The use of advanced technologies in logistics is providing opportunities to players for streamlining their business logistics processes and increase their logistics capability. The growth in e-commerce is also providing opportunities for major international freight services and industrial players.
Additional Benefits:
- The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
- 3 months of analyst support
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