Amazon and Chinese E-Commerce Lift UK Warehouse Demand
UK Warehouse Demand Returns
UK industrial net absorption reached nearly 6 million square feet in the second quarter of 2026, its strongest result in more than three years, according to CoStar data released July 16. Twelve-month net absorption also returned to positive territory after reaching a 23 million-square-foot low in 2024.
Amazon Adds Major Capacity
Amazon took an estimated 6 million square feet of UK warehouse space over the past 18 months. That total includes a 2 million-square-foot facility at Segro Park Northampton, which opened in June, while a 900,000-square-foot site at Symmetry Park Kettering is scheduled to open this autumn.
Chinese E-Commerce Expands
Chinese occupiers had leased or placed under offer more than 2 million square feet by mid-2026, putting the segment on course for another record year. CoStar said Chinese e-commerce platforms are increasing domestic inventory and logistics space to support faster UK delivery.
Impact on Amazon FBA Sellers
For China-based Amazon FBA sellers, additional UK fulfillment capacity can support deeper local inventory, but it also signals stronger competition for well-located warehouse and delivery resources. Inventory plans should account for international transit, customs clearance, domestic storage and Amazon receiving time.
The expansion favors earlier replenishment decisions for products that depend on consistent UK delivery speed.
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