Chemical Warehousing Market Size and Share
Chemical Warehousing Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The Chemical Warehousing Market size is estimated at USD 86.66 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 108.55 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.61% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The steady climb reflects stricter environmental, health, and safety rules, growing specialty-chemical and biopharmaceutical production, and wider adoption of automation and digital monitoring. North America retains leadership thanks to mature compliance systems, while Asia-Pacific records the quickest expansion on the back of industrial growth in India and China. Demand is consolidating around fewer facilities that can offer multi-jurisdictional compliance, temperature-controlled environments, and advanced hazard-mitigation technologies. Operators that embrace robotics, unmanned inspections, and data-driven inventory tools are improving safety performance and lowering insurance costs, solidifying competitive advantage.
Key Report Takeaways
- By warehouse type, hazardous materials sites held 41% of the chemical warehousing market share in 2024. By warehouse type, temperature-controlled chemical warehouses are poised for a 9.10% CAGR through 2030.
- By chemical type, flammable liquids accounted for 37% of the chemical warehousing market size in 2024. By chemical type, toxic substances storage is expected to advance at an 8.10% CAGR to 2030.
- By end-user industry, specialty chemicals manufacturing led with 27% of the chemical warehousing market share in 2024. By end-user industry, pharmaceuticals and life sciences are projected to expand at a 9.70% CAGR through 2030.
- By geography, North America captured 33% of the chemical warehousing market share in 2024. By geography, Asia-Pacific is forecast to grow at a 7.10% CAGR between 2025 and 2030.
Global Chemical Warehousing Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
| Drivers | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stricter EHS regulations | +1.8% | North America and the European Union | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Rising specialty-chemical output | +1.2% | Asia-Pacific manufacturing hubs | Long term (≥4 years) |
| Pharma and life-science cold-chain expansion | +0.9% | North America and the European Union, emerging in Asia-Pacific | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Multi-regional distribution hubs | +0.7% | Global trade corridors | Long term (≥4 years) |
| Drone and robot inspections | +0.4% | Early adoption in North America and the European Union | Short term (≤2 years) |
| Micro-warehouse hubs | +0.3% | Asia-Pacific early adopters | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Stringent EHS Regulations Boosting Demand for Compliant Third-Party Sites
New federal rules in the United States, including the Risk Management Program revision and the updated Hazard Communication Standard, have raised the bar for safety assessments, climate-risk evaluation, and third-party audits. Facilities that handle regulated substances now face high annual compliance costs, prompting many manufacturers to outsource storage to specialized providers[1]United States Environmental Protection Agency Staff, “Accidental Release Prevention Requirements: Risk Management Programs Under the Clean Air Act,” Federal Register, federalregister.gov. The updated labeling requirements compel 111,000 firms to revise safety data sheets, adding to operational complexity. The European Union is moving in the same direction through the 2025 REACH revision that tightens PFAS controls, accelerating demand for multi-jurisdictional compliance facilities.
Rising Specialty-Chemical Output Needing Segregated Storage
Production shifts toward high-value specialty chemicals, such as expandable microspheres and advanced peptides, require strictly segregated warehouses that prevent cross-contamination. Nouryon’s new US plant and CordenPharma’s EUR 900 million peptide expansion show the scale of investment driving this need. India’s policy incentives are steering domestic production toward specialty segments, spurring demand for modular storage designs that can adapt quickly to diverse chemistries.
Pharma & Life-Science Cold-Chain Expansion
DHL Supply Chain’s USD 200 million program is adding five temperature-controlled facilities with automated guided vehicles and near-zero-error inventory systems to handle biologics and cell therapies. UPS opened a dedicated healthcare hub in Hyderabad that can stage material at +2 °C to +25 °C, demonstrating rising demand for regional cold-chain nodes. Such expansions tighten capacity and raise the profile of temperature-controlled chemical warehouses, the fastest-growing segment of the chemical warehousing market.
Globalized Supply Chains Requiring Multi-Regional Hubs
Geopolitical volatility and trade lane congestion are encouraging diversified storage networks. Vopak is investing EUR 1 billion in terminals across Canada, China, and Saudi Arabia to create redundancy and shorten customer lead times. Institutional investors such as Canada Pension Plan Investment Board are similarly targeting Southeast Asian logistics assets to address regional capacity gaps.
Restraints Impact Analysis
| Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| High CAPEX and OPEX of compliant infrastructure | -0.8% | Most pronounced in the United States, EU | Short term (≤2 years) |
| Demand cyclicality creates utilization risk | -0.6% | Regional variations worldwide | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Shortage of certified hazardous-goods labor | -0.5% | North America and the European Union | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Stricter insurer underwriting for fluorinated gases | -0.4% | Developed markets | Short term (≤2 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
High CAPEX & OPEX of Compliant Infrastructure
Specialized HAZMAT warehouses must install fire walls, gas-detection systems, spill-containment floors, and ventilation units that meet federal and local codes. The International Association of Fire Chiefs notes frequent non-compliance, forcing owners into costly retrofits. Vacancy rates near 4% empower landlords to lift rents 5–6% per year, while energy-hungry refrigeration drives up operating costs. Insurance carriers, meanwhile, scrutinize storage of PFAS and fluorinated refrigerants, increasing premiums and raising breakeven utilization levels.
Demand Cyclicality Causes Utilization Risk
Chemicals follow commodity price swings and industrial output cycles. During soft patches, inventory drawdowns leave racks idle, undermining return on investment. Merger waves often coincide with downturns, pushing asset owners to consolidate and shutter underused sites. Latin America illustrates the issue: new US and Asian capacities pressured margins in 2024, trimming storage needs across regional hubs.
Segment Analysis
By Warehouse Type: Specialized Infrastructure Sets the Pace
Hazardous materials sites accounted for 41% of the chemical warehousing market size in 2024 and remain the backbone of compliant storage. These facilities embed advanced detection and suppression systems that satisfy multiple regulatory regimes. Operators are integrating RFID tracking to improve inventory detection accuracy, enhancing visibility and reducing manual handling. Their high entry barriers support premium rent structures that stabilize cash flows.
Temperature-controlled chemical warehouses are set to post a 9.10% CAGR to 2030, the fastest among all types. Growth stems from biologics, vaccines, and high-purity reagents that require tight thermal bands. The chemical warehousing market size for temperature-controlled assets is projected to rise in parallel with biopharmaceutical pipelines and expanding clinical trial networks. Technology upgrades such as cloud-linked data loggers and pallet-shuttle systems help maintain ±0.5 °C accuracy while maximizing cubic utilization.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Chemical Type: Flammable Liquids Hold the Lead
Flammable liquids storage captured 37% of the chemical warehousing market share in 2024. These volumes cover solvents, fuels, and resins that underpin many industrial processes. Facilities must combine vapor-control units, explosion-proof lighting, and emergency drainage, which raises capital intensity. The chemical warehousing market size attributed to flammable liquids remains anchored by aerospace, automotive, and consumer-goods supply chains that rely on solvent-based formulations.
Toxic substances storage is forecast to expand at an 8.10% CAGR through 2030 as crop-protection, battery, and semiconductor sectors bring more hazardous compounds to market. The chemical warehousing market share of this segment will rise on the back of stricter segregation rules. Inventory managers deploy color-coded zones, automated guided vehicles, and access-control badges to minimize exposure and document compliance with the revised Hazard Communication Standard.
By End-User Industry: Specialty Chemicals Manufacturing Commands Demand
Specialty chemicals manufacturing generated 27% of 2024 revenue. These producers value flexibility, short order cycles, and contamination avoidance, making them prime users of automated high-bay warehouses with modular containment rooms. The industry is moving toward batch sizes under 5 tons, which increases pallet movements and favors data-rich storage solutions that capture every handling step.
Pharmaceuticals and life sciences are on track for a 9.70% CAGR to 2030, lifting their share of the chemical warehousing market size. Therapies such as mRNA vaccines and gene-edited treatments demand ultralow storage temperatures that legacy facilities cannot supply. New builds integrate redundant compressors, nitrogen backup, and 24/7 telemetry to guarantee integrity. This growth wave is drawing logistics majors and real-estate funds into build-to-suit projects in key research clusters.
Geography Analysis
North America controlled 33% of the chemical warehousing market share in 2024 as decades of compliance culture produced a deep pool of certified handlers and specialized real estate. OSHA's latest rule package and the updated Risk Management Program are triggering retrofit cycles that favor operators with scale and capital access. Large players continue to expand; DHL Supply Chain alone added more than 13 million ft² of life-science capacity across 40 locations in 2025. Insurer scrutiny over PFAS compounds may, however, raise operating costs in the near term.
Asia-Pacific is registering the fastest CAGR at 7.10% through 2030, supported by expanding chemical output in India and China. India's national vision to hit USD 1 trillion in chemical sales by 2040, plus Production Linked Incentive schemes, is pushing for new warehouses in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. Global operators are forming joint ventures to secure land near emerging ports. Technology adoption is quick, with many new sites launching with automated shuttles and AI-powered yard planning from day one.
Europe expands at a modest pace as energy costs and regulatory uncertainty weigh on investment. The planned REACH update that will restrict most PFAS compounds is driving demand for advanced containment facilities, but it also clouds long-term product mixes. Operators hedge by focusing on value-added services such as product sampling and repackaging.
The Middle East and Africa are supported by USD 730 billion in forecast oil and gas CAPEX, creating demand for bulk liquid terminals and derivative storage near petrochemical clusters. Investments in industrial free zones around Abu Dhabi and Dammam include bonded warehouses tailored for intermediates and specialty resins aimed at Asian buyers.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
Competitive Landscape
Market fragmentation is giving way to measured consolidation as scale and digital capabilities become critical. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines purchased LBC Tank Terminals for USD 1.715 billion in March 2025, adding 3 million m³ of capacity across the United States and Europe[2]Editorial Staff, “Acquisition of LBC Tank Terminals – Accelerating Our Transformation into a Social Infrastructure Company,” Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, mol.co.jp. This deal underscores a push toward vertical integration that links marine transport with shore-based storage.
Global logistics groups—DHL Supply Chain, Kuehne + Nagel, and DSV—continue to differentiate by embedding robotics, real-time temperature monitoring, and compliance dashboards. DHL targets unmanned pallet moves for 70% of its life-science portfolio by 2027, aiming to cut incident rates and lower energy draw. Den Hartogh Logistics is aligning with net-zero pledges, investing in hydrogen truck pilots, and aiming for a 25% reduction in CO₂ intensity by 2025[3]Institutional Staff, “Environmental Sustainability,” Den Hartogh Logistics, denhartogh.com.
Technology partnerships shape the next frontier. Warehouse management system providers are integrating sensor fusion, machine vision, and predictive analytics to raise hazard detection accuracy. Early adopters report insurance premium discounts of up to 12% for warehouses equipped with autonomous drone patrols that document roof-stacking compliance.
Chemical Warehousing Industry Leaders
-
DHL Supply Chain
-
Kuehne + Nagel
-
DSV
-
Rhenus Logistics
-
BDP International
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Recent Industry Developments
- April 2025: Kenan Advantage Group bought M.C. Tank Transport, adding 175 drivers and eight terminals to its bulk chemical network.
- March 2025: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines acquired LBC Tank Terminals for USD 1.71 billion, adding seven terminals in Europe and the United States.
- February 2025: DHL Supply Chain earmarked USD 200 million to grow its life-science network from 35 to 40 sites. New warehouses in Pennsylvania and North Carolina will feature automated guided vehicles and temperature zones from ambient to deep-frozen to serve pharma and specialty-chemical clients.
- July 2024: CEVA Logistics bought Bolloré Logistics, strengthening multimodal freight offerings and enlarging warehouse capacity for chemical customers under the CMA CGM umbrella.
Global Chemical Warehousing Market Report Scope
| General Warehousing |
| Speciality Chemical Warehouse |
| Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Warehouses |
| Temperature-Controlled Chemical Warehouses |
| Flammable Liquids |
| Corrosives |
| Toxic Substances |
| Oxidizers |
| Others |
| Basic Chemicals Manufacturing |
| Specialty Chemicals Manufacturing |
| Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences |
| Agrochemicals |
| Paints, Coatings & Adhesives |
| Food & Feed Additives |
| Oil & Gas / Petrochemicals |
| Others |
| North America | United States |
| Canada | |
| Mexico | |
| South America | Brazil |
| Peru | |
| Chile | |
| Argentina | |
| Rest of South America | |
| Asia-Pacific | India |
| China | |
| Japan | |
| Australia | |
| South Korea | |
| South East Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Philippines) | |
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |
| Europe | United Kingdom |
| Germany | |
| France | |
| Spain | |
| Italy | |
| BENELUX (Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg) | |
| NORDICS (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) | |
| Rest of Europe | |
| Middle East and Africa | United Arab of Emirates |
| Saudi Arabia | |
| South Africa | |
| Nigeria | |
| Rest of Middle East And Africa |
| By Warehouse Type | General Warehousing | |
| Speciality Chemical Warehouse | ||
| Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Warehouses | ||
| Temperature-Controlled Chemical Warehouses | ||
| By Chemical Type | Flammable Liquids | |
| Corrosives | ||
| Toxic Substances | ||
| Oxidizers | ||
| Others | ||
| By End-user Industry | Basic Chemicals Manufacturing | |
| Specialty Chemicals Manufacturing | ||
| Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences | ||
| Agrochemicals | ||
| Paints, Coatings & Adhesives | ||
| Food & Feed Additives | ||
| Oil & Gas / Petrochemicals | ||
| Others | ||
| By Geography | North America | United States |
| Canada | ||
| Mexico | ||
| South America | Brazil | |
| Peru | ||
| Chile | ||
| Argentina | ||
| Rest of South America | ||
| Asia-Pacific | India | |
| China | ||
| Japan | ||
| Australia | ||
| South Korea | ||
| South East Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Philippines) | ||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | ||
| Europe | United Kingdom | |
| Germany | ||
| France | ||
| Spain | ||
| Italy | ||
| BENELUX (Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg) | ||
| NORDICS (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) | ||
| Rest of Europe | ||
| Middle East and Africa | United Arab of Emirates | |
| Saudi Arabia | ||
| South Africa | ||
| Nigeria | ||
| Rest of Middle East And Africa | ||
Key Questions Answered in the Report
What is the current size of the chemical warehousing market?
The chemical warehousing market size stands at USD 86.66 billion in 2025.
How fast is the chemical warehousing market projected to grow?
The market is forecast to expand at a 4.61% CAGR between 2025 and 2030.
Which warehouse type is growing the quickest?
Temperature-controlled chemical warehouses are projected to post a 9.10% CAGR through 2030, driven by biopharmaceutical demand.
Which region shows the fastest growth in chemical warehousing?
Asia-Pacific is expected to record a 7.10% CAGR through 2030 as India and China add capacity.
What major acquisition shaped the competitive landscape in 2025?
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines acquired LBC Tank Terminals for USD 1.715 billion, adding 3 million m³ of capacity across seven terminals.
Page last updated on: