Market Overview
The Europe chemical logistics market is expected to reach USD 93.9 billion in 2025 and grow to USD 129.5 billion by 2034, registering a CAGR of 3.8%. Rising demand for safe chemical transportation, advanced warehousing solutions, and cross-border supply chain services are driving market expansion across pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, and industrial sectors.
Chemical logistics refers to the specialized management and transportation of chemical products, encompassing the safe handling, storage, and distribution of hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals across various supply chains. It involves a combination of regulatory compliance, risk management, packaging solutions, and transportation expertise to ensure that chemicals reach their destinations without compromising safety, quality, or environmental standards. Chemical logistics also integrates tracking systems, warehouse management, and supply chain optimization to streamline operations, reduce costs, and maintain uninterrupted flow from manufacturers to end users in industries such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, petrochemicals, and specialty chemicals.
The Europe chemical logistics market is experiencing substantial growth driven by the increasing demand for chemical products across diverse industries including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and manufacturing. Europe’s stringent regulatory framework for the safe transportation and storage of chemicals has led to the adoption of advanced logistics solutions such as temperature-controlled warehousing, real-time tracking, and automated inventory management. The market is further fueled by the rise in chemical exports within the region and to global markets, requiring efficient and reliable logistics services to ensure timely delivery while adhering to environmental and safety regulations.
Key players in the Europe chemical logistics market focus on enhancing operational efficiency by leveraging digital supply chain solutions, collaboration with chemical manufacturers, and integrating sustainable practices. With ongoing technological advancements in fleet management, packaging, and warehouse automation, the market is witnessing improved delivery performance and reduced operational risks.
Additionally, the growing emphasis on green logistics, compliance with the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road, and rising cross-border trade contribute to expanding market opportunities, making Europe one of the most competitive and strategically important regions for chemical logistics services.
Europe Chemical Logistics Market: Key Takeaways
- Market Value: Europe chemical logistics market size is expected to reach a value of USD 129.5 billion by 2034 from a base value of USD 93.9 billion in 2025 at a CAGR of 3.8%.
- By Service Segment Analysis: Transportation & Distribution is anticipated to dominate the service segment, capturing 50.0% of the total market share in 2025.
- By Mode of Transportation Segment Analysis: Roadways will account for the maximum share in the mode of transportation segment, capturing 57.0% of the total market value.
- By End User Segment Analysis: Chemical Industry will dominate the end user segment, capturing 39.0% of the market share in 2025.
- Key Players: Some key players in Europe chemical logistics market are DHL, DSV A/S, CEVA Logistics, XPO Logistics, Kuehne + Nagel, BDP International, Bertschi AG, Suttons International, Den Hartogh Logistics, Broekman Logistics, Rhenus Logistics, H. Essers, Log4Chem, Chemical Express, JCL Logistics, MOL Logistics, DACHSER, De Rijke Group, Noatum Logistics, and Others.
Europe Chemical Logistics Market: Use Cases
- Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Management: Chemical logistics plays a crucial role in the pharmaceutical sector by ensuring the safe and timely delivery of raw materials, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and finished drugs. Advanced temperature-controlled storage, tracking systems, and regulatory compliance help prevent contamination and maintain product quality across European distribution networks.
- Specialty Chemicals Distribution: In the specialty chemicals segment, logistics providers manage the handling and transportation of highly reactive and sensitive materials. Efficient warehousing, customized packaging, and real-time shipment monitoring reduce risks, support just-in-time delivery, and optimize supply chain efficiency for manufacturers and distributors.
- Industrial Chemicals Transportation: Industrial chemicals such as solvents, acids, and polymers require careful handling and strict adherence to safety regulations. Chemical logistics ensures secure transportation using specialized containers, route planning, and risk management strategies, enabling uninterrupted supply to factories and processing units across Europe.
- Cross-Border Chemical Trade: Europe’s chemical logistics market supports extensive cross-border trade within the EU and globally. Providers offer integrated freight services, customs compliance, and end-to-end supply chain visibility, allowing manufacturers to expand their market reach while minimizing delays and regulatory challenges.
Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Europe Chemical Logistics market
Artificial intelligence is transforming the Europe chemical logistics market by optimizing supply chain operations and enhancing decision-making processes. AI-powered predictive analytics enable logistics providers to forecast demand, plan routes efficiently, and minimize delays, ensuring timely delivery of hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals. Machine learning algorithms also improve inventory management in warehouses, optimizing storage space and reducing the risk of stockouts or overstocking.
AI-driven automation in handling and packaging sensitive chemicals enhances safety and compliance with European regulations while reducing human error. Smart sensors and IoT integration allow real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, and container conditions, ensuring product integrity during transit. Overall, AI adoption is driving operational efficiency, cost reduction, and higher reliability, positioning Europe’s chemical logistics sector for sustainable growth and innovation in the competitive market landscape.
Europe Chemical Logistics Market: Stats & Facts
Eurostat – Road & Freight Transport 2023‑2025
- In 2024, total EU road freight transport reached 1,869 billion tonne‑kilometres (tkm), up from 1,857 billion tkm in 2023, a 0.6% year‑on‑year increase.
- In 2024, in terms of goods transported by road, “chemicals” accounted for 116 billion tkm — ranking among the groups of transported goods.
- In 2023, road freight transport declined compared with 2022: total transport in tonne‑kilometres fell from 1,919 billion tkm in 2022 to 1,857 billion tkm, a drop of 3.2%.
- In 2024, of total EU road freight transport, national transport represented 61.4%, international transport 24.6%, and cross‑trade + cabotage 14.1%.
Eurostat – Inland Waterway Transport (IWW) 2023‑2024
- Freight transport performance on EU inland waterways rose by 4.5% in 2024 compared with 2023.
- In 2024, goods transported on EU‑27 inland waterways amounted to 473.3 million tonnes, up by ~1.0% compared to 2023; the corresponding transport performance reached ≈ 121.6 billion tkm.
- Of all goods transported via inland waterway in 2024 (by tkm), “chemicals, rubber and plastics and nuclear fuel” category represented 14.0% of total IWW transport performance in that period.
- In 2024, inland waterway freight transport was heavily concentrated: two countries, the bulk being Germany and Netherlands, together accounted for 70.5% of total EU inland waterway transport performance.
Eurostat / EU Chemicals Production & Trade 2023‑2024
- In 2023, the EU produced 218 million tonnes of industrial chemicals (hazardous and non-hazardous), a 13% decrease compared with 2022.
- Chemical consumption in the EU in 2023 was 227 million tonnes, showing a 14% drop year‑on‑year compared with 2022.
- For hazardous chemicals, 167 million tonnes hazardous to health were produced in 2023 (down 11% from 2022), and hazardous‑to‑environment chemicals production was 68 million tonnes (down 4%).
- Similarly, consumption of hazardous chemicals in 2023 also fell, hazardous‑to‑health chemical usage dropped 14%, environmental‑hazardous chemical usage by 12%, totalling about 57 million tonnes for the latter category.
Europe Chemical Logistics Market: Market Dynamics
Europe Chemical Logistics Market: Driving Factors
Rising Demand for Safe Chemical Transportation
The growing industrial and pharmaceutical sectors in Europe are increasing the demand for specialized chemical logistics services. Providers are investing in temperature-controlled storage, secure packaging, and real-time tracking systems to ensure the safe handling of hazardous and sensitive chemicals across complex supply chains.
Expansion of Industrial and Specialty Chemical Production
Europe’s expanding chemical manufacturing landscape, including specialty and industrial chemicals, is driving the need for efficient logistics solutions. Companies are focusing on optimized route planning, warehouse automation, and supply chain visibility to meet growing production volumes and tight delivery schedules.
Europe Chemical Logistics Market: Restraints
Stringent Regulatory Compliance
Strict European regulations on the transportation, storage, and handling of hazardous chemicals can increase operational costs and slow down logistics processes. Compliance with safety standards, environmental rules, and reporting requirements often requires additional investment in technology and staff training.
High Operational and Infrastructure Costs
Managing chemical logistics in Europe involves substantial expenses, including specialized vehicles, temperature-controlled warehouses, and advanced tracking systems. These high costs can limit market entry for smaller logistics providers and affect overall profitability.
Europe Chemical Logistics Market: Opportunities
Adoption of Digital and AI-Driven Supply Chain Solutions
Integrating AI, IoT, and predictive analytics offers significant growth potential by improving route optimization, inventory management, and shipment tracking. Digitalization enables faster, safer, and more transparent chemical distribution across European markets.
Growth in Cross-Border Trade
Increasing chemical exports and imports within Europe and globally present opportunities for logistics providers. Efficient customs clearance, integrated freight services, and reliable supply chain management can help companies expand their regional footprint and enhance market competitiveness.
Europe Chemical Logistics Market: Trends
Green and Sustainable Logistics Practices
Sustainability is becoming a key trend in Europe’s chemical logistics sector. Companies are adopting eco-friendly transportation, reducing carbon emissions, and using recyclable packaging materials to meet environmental regulations and growing customer demand for green supply chains.
Integration of Smart Warehousing and Automation
Automation technologies and smart warehouses are increasingly used to enhance efficiency and safety. Automated material handling, real-time monitoring systems, and robotics reduce operational risks and improve turnaround times in the storage and distribution of chemicals.
Europe Chemical Logistics Market: Research Scope and Analysis
By Services Analysis
In the Europe chemical logistics market, the transportation and distribution segment is expected to lead the service category, accounting for around 50.0% of the total market share in 2025. This dominance is driven by the critical need for timely and safe delivery of hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals across manufacturing units, industrial sites, and pharmaceutical facilities.
Efficient transportation services, including specialized vehicles, temperature-controlled fleets, and route optimization, ensure that chemicals reach their destinations without compromising quality or safety. Real-time tracking and advanced fleet management further enhance reliability and reduce the risk of delays, making transportation and distribution the backbone of chemical logistics operations in Europe.
The storage and warehousing segment also plays a significant role in the market by providing secure and compliant facilities for chemical products. Specialized storage solutions, such as temperature-controlled warehouses, segregated areas for reactive or hazardous materials, and automated inventory management systems, help maintain product integrity and safety. Warehousing services support just-in-time delivery, reduce supply chain disruptions, and offer scalable solutions for manufacturers and distributors, ensuring efficient handling of chemicals throughout the European supply chain.
By Mode of Transportation Analysis
In the Europe chemical logistics market, road transportation is projected to dominate the mode of transportation segment, capturing approximately 57.0% of the total market value. This preference is largely due to the flexibility and accessibility that roadways offer for delivering chemicals across short and medium distances, including industrial hubs, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers. Road transport allows for door-to-door services, real-time tracking, and faster turnaround times, which are essential for handling hazardous and time-sensitive chemical products.
Additionally, specialized trucks and trailers equipped with temperature control and safety features ensure compliance with European safety regulations while maintaining product integrity during transit.
Railways also play a significant role in chemical logistics by providing a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable option for transporting bulk chemicals over long distances. Rail transport is particularly useful for heavy or large-volume shipments, reducing congestion on road networks and lowering carbon emissions. Integrated logistics solutions combining rail and last-mile road delivery enhance efficiency, minimize transit risks, and support cross-border chemical distribution across European countries, making rail a vital component of the multimodal transportation strategy in this market.
By End User Analysis
In the Europe chemical logistics market, the chemical industry is expected to dominate the end-user segment, accounting for around 39.0% of the market share in 2025. This dominance is driven by the high demand for efficient and safe transportation and storage of bulk chemicals, including industrial solvents, acids, polymers, and specialty chemicals.
Logistics providers focus on handling hazardous materials with advanced safety measures, regulatory compliance, and real-time tracking to ensure uninterrupted supply to manufacturing plants and industrial facilities. The chemical industry’s reliance on timely deliveries and secure storage solutions makes it the largest consumer of chemical logistics services in Europe.
The pharmaceutical industry also represents a significant end-user segment in the market, requiring precise and reliable logistics solutions for raw materials, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and finished medicines. Temperature-sensitive storage, cold chain management, and strict adherence to regulatory standards are critical to maintaining product quality and safety.
Efficient chemical logistics services enable pharmaceutical companies to streamline supply chains, meet stringent delivery schedules, and reduce risks associated with handling hazardous or sensitive chemicals, supporting the growth and stability of the healthcare and life sciences sectors in Europe.
Europe Chemical Logistics Market Report is segmented on the basis of the following:
By Services
- Transportation & Distribution
- Storage & Warehousing
- Customs & Security
- Green Logistics
- Consulting & Management Services
- Others
By Mode of Transportation
- Roadways
- Railways
- Airways
- Waterways
- Pipelines
By End User
- Chemical industry
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Cosmetic Industry
- Oil & Gas Industry
- Specialty Chemicals Industry
- Food Industry
- Other End User
Europe Chemical Logistics Market: Regional Analysis
The Europe chemical logistics market is highly concentrated in key industrial hubs such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium, which host a large number of chemical manufacturing and processing facilities. Western Europe dominates due to advanced infrastructure, well-established transportation networks, and stringent regulatory frameworks ensuring safe handling and storage of hazardous chemicals.
The presence of major ports, rail corridors, and road connectivity facilitates efficient cross-border trade within the European Union and beyond. Growing demand from the pharmaceutical, specialty, and industrial chemical sectors, coupled with increasing adoption of digital supply chain solutions and sustainable logistics practices, is driving regional market growth, making Europe one of the most strategic and competitive regions for chemical logistics services.
By Region
Europe
- Germany
- The U.K.
- France
- Italy
- Russia
- Spain
- Benelux
- Nordic
- Rest of Europe
Europe Chemical Logistics Market: Competitive Landscape
The Europe chemical logistics market is highly competitive, characterized by the presence of well-established and specialized service providers offering end-to-end solutions across transportation, warehousing, and distribution. Companies are increasingly focusing on technological advancements such as AI-driven route optimization, IoT-enabled tracking, and automated warehouse management to enhance operational efficiency and ensure compliance with stringent safety regulations.
Providers are also investing in sustainable practices, including green transportation and eco-friendly packaging, to meet environmental standards and customer expectations. Strategic collaborations, mergers, and service diversification are common as players aim to expand regional reach, strengthen supply chain capabilities, and maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving European chemical logistics landscape.
Some of the prominent players in Europe Chemical Logistics market are:
- DHL
- DSV A/S
- CEVA Logistics
- XPO Logistics
- Kuehne + Nagel
- BDP International
- Bertschi AG
- Suttons International
- Den Hartogh Logistics
- Broekman Logistics
- Rhenus Logistics
- H. Essers
- Log4Chem
- Chemical Express
- JCL Logistics
- MOL Logistics
- DACHSER
- De Rijke Group
- Noatum Logistics
- Pfenning Logistics GmbH
- Other Key Players
Europe Chemical Logistics Market: Recent Developments
- December 2025: A major global logistics real‑estate firm unveiled a new unified brand to manage its chemical‑logistics real‑estate assets across Europe, Asia‑Pacific and Americas, aiming to provide integrated warehousing and distribution facilities under a single umbrella, boosting capacity, standardisation and service offering for hazardous and bulk chemicals.
- December 2025: A major European chemical‑logistics group expanded its footprint in Northern Europe by acquiring a Scandinavian mid‑sized chemical‑transport specialist, thereby strengthening its road and intermodal network and boosting capacity for liquid chemical transport, depot‑services and circular‑economy logistics solutions.
- November 2025: A supply‑chain software start‑up specialising in logistics for heavy industries, including chemical transport, secured a €1.5 million pre‑seed funding round to build an AI‑driven operating system for European supply chains, aiming to digitise transport workflows, data tracking, and supply‑chain coordination for chemicals and other logistics‑intensive sectors.
- July 2025: A leading port‑based logistics operator opened an 8,250 m² purpose‑built chemicals warehouse at a key European port, designed to store ADR‑classified chemicals (excluding explosives and radioactive materials), with capacity for ~10,000 pallets, enhancing end‑to‑end chemical supply‑chain services including storage, handling and distribution across the Benelux region.
Report Details
| Report Characteristics |
| Market Size (2025) |
USD 93.9 Bn |
| Forecast Value (2034) |
USD 129.5 Bn |
| CAGR (2025–2034) |
3.8% |
| Historical Data |
2019 – 2024 |
| Forecast Data |
2026 – 2034 |
| Base Year |
2024 |
| Estimate Year |
2025 |
| Report Coverage |
Market Revenue Estimation, Market Dynamics, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, etc. |
| Segments Covered |
By Services (Transportation & Distribution, Storage & Warehousing, Customs & Security, Green Logistics, Consulting & Management Services, Others), By Mode of Transportation (Roadways, Railways, Airways, Waterways, Pipelines), and By End User (Chemical Industry, Pharmaceutical Industry, Cosmetic Industry, Oil & Gas Industry, Specialty Chemicals Industry, Food Industry, Other End User)
|
| Regional Coverage |
Europe – Germany, The UK, France, Russia, Spain, Italy, Benelux, Nordic, & Rest of Europe |
| Prominent Players |
DHL, DSV A/S, CEVA Logistics, XPO Logistics, Kuehne + Nagel, BDP International, Bertschi AG, Suttons International, Den Hartogh Logistics, Broekman Logistics, Rhenus Logistics, H. Essers, Log4Chem, Chemical Express, JCL Logistics, MOL Logistics, DACHSER, De Rijke Group, Noatum Logistics, and Others.
|
| Purchase Options |
We have three licenses to opt for: Single User License (Limited to 1 user), Multi-User License (Up to 5 Users), and Corporate Use License (Unlimited User) along with free report customization equivalent to 0 analyst working days, 3 analysts working days, and 5 analysts working days respectively. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Europe Chemical Logistics market size is estimated to have a value of USD 93.9 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 129.5 billion by the end of 2034, with a CAGR of 3.8%.
Some of the major key players in Europe Chemical Logistics market are DHL, DSV A/S, CEVA Logistics, XPO Logistics, Kuehne + Nagel, BDP International, Bertschi AG, Suttons International, Den Hartogh Logistics, Broekman Logistics, Rhenus Logistics, H. Essers, Log4Chem, Chemical Express, JCL Logistics, MOL Logistics, DACHSER, De Rijke Group, Noatum Logistics, and Others.