Chinese ecommerce and logistics companies are ramping up warehouse acquisitions across Europe as shifting trade policies and US tariffs under President Donald Trump push manufacturers to seek alternative markets, reports Bloomberg.

In the UK alone, Chinese firms have leased over 2 million square feet of warehouse space this year, nearing the 2021 pandemic peak of 2.3 million square feet, according to CoStar. Similar trends are emerging across continental Europe, with landlords reporting increased interest from Chinese groups.

Claire Williams of Knight Frank said Europe remains the last major market for rapid expansion by Chinese firms, making them a growing force in the region's logistics sector. She expects the trend to continue amid ongoing trade disruptions.

Beijing-based JD.com has led the UK push, securing 900,000 square feet of space and launching Joybuy, a discount ecommerce platform. The firm has also established facilities in Milton Keynes and Coventry.

Other Chinese players including Super Smart Service of Zong Teng Group, Top Cloud Logistics and furniture retailer Daals have also acquired warehouse space. CoStar's Grant Lonsdale said 2025 could become the strongest year on record for Chinese warehouse deals in the UK.

Despite the surge, UK logistics vacancy rates remain high due to a supply glut following speculative development during the pandemic, which added 9.3 million square feet in 2024, Savills reported.

GLP, a logistics real estate firm, has leased nearly 400,000 square metres to Chinese ecommerce companies across the UK, Germany, Poland and Italy over five years. It said Europe's competitiveness has increased under current trade conditions.

Chinese manufacturers are also nearshoring to Europe to avoid tariffs. Shein Group Ltd operates major hubs in Poland, while CTP NV has seen rising demand from Chinese computer and furniture makers.

CTP's Maarten Otte said Chinese interest began four or five years ago and has accelerated recently. Asian tenants now account for 20 per cent of CTP's leasing activity, half of which are Chinese.

CBRE's Michael Bowens said Chinese firms are acting swiftly to capture market share amid geopolitical shocks and supply chain disruptions.