Nearshoring Is Reshaping the Industrial Real Estate Landscape in the CEE Region

The relocation of manufacturing closer to European markets is one of the most significant factors currently shaping demand for industrial real estate. Nearshoring has become a strategic response to supply chain instability and rising transportation costs.

Thanks to its location and strong industrial tradition, the Central and Eastern Europe region is increasingly coming into focus for both investors and occupiers. This trend is directly reflected in growing demand for modern logistics and manufacturing space.

Market developments highlight several key trends:

• increasing demand for build-to-suit solutions
• strong activity in the logistics and manufacturing sectors
• a more cautious approach by developers to speculative development
• high activity in land preparation for future development 

Slovakia plays an important role in this context. Its strategic location, connectivity to major logistics corridors, and strong industrial base create an attractive environment for new investments.

At the same time, the market faces several challenges that influence both investor and occupier decision-making. In addition to labor shortages and growing pressure for sustainability, there is ongoing uncertainty in global supply chains. These continue to be affected by geopolitical conflicts, trade barriers, and energy price volatility, increasing pressure on companies to optimize their logistics and manufacturing strategies.

Nearshoring is therefore not just a short-term trend, but a long-term shift that will continue to shape the direction of the industrial market in the CEE region.