Healthy U.S. import volumes in the first half of 2025 have not translated into stronger demand for industrial commercial real estate in many markets near ports, according to Cushman & Wakefield’s U.S. Midyear Ports Update. Excess capacity among industrial occupiers and a shift toward moving goods directly to inland hubs like Chicago and Dallas are keeping inventory levels and leasing activity subdued near several major ports.
The report shows that, while cargo volumes at the nation’s 10 busiest ports rose 3.5 percent year-over-year in the first six months of 2025, absorption in half of the top port-proximate markets has been negative and vacancy rates have inched higher.
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