### Potential Trump Tariffs Drive Asian 3PL Companies to U.S. Industrial Space
The Trump administration’s fluctuating tariff policies continue to impact deliveries entering the United States from Canada, China, and Mexico. As a result, third-party logistics (3PL) firms are working to navigate the documentation and fees required for these imports.
In response to retailers and wholesalers increasing their imports ahead of potential tariffs, 3PL firms headquartered in Asia have been ramping up their presence in the U.S. by leasing more industrial space. A recent analysis by CBRE highlights this growing trend.
### Asian 3PLs Driving Demand for U.S. Coastal Facilities
The CBRE analysis found that Asian 3PL providers are playing a significant role in the demand for U.S. coastal industrial facilities. Among the 428 new bulk leases signed by 3PL providers in 2024:
– 18% were signed by Asian-based companies.
– More than 80% of these leases were within 100 miles of a U.S. seaport.
– 21% of Asian 3PL leases involved lower-rent sublease space.
Additionally, leasing activity among Asian 3PL firms for these facilities increased by 16% from 2023.
### Key U.S. Markets for Asian 3PL Leases
CBRE analysts identified California’s Inland Empire as a prime location for Asian 3PL operators, accounting for 28 bulk lease agreements in 2024. These companies signed 42.4% of all 3PL leases in the region. Philadelphia ranked second, with Asian firms making up 29.4% of 3PL lease signings.
With the potential for increased tariffs on specific imports, CBRE analysts predict that Asian 3PL providers will continue to capture a significant portion of 3PL leasing activity in 2025.
