Market Overview
| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 509.80 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 649.60 Billion |
| Growth Rate (2025 - 2030) | 4.97% CAGR |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | Asia-Pacific |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0. |
|
Chemical Logistics Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The Global Chemical Logistics Market size is estimated at USD 509.80 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 649.60 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.97% during the forecast period (2025-2030). Persistent demand for bulk and specialty chemicals, tougher global safety rules, and investment in temperature-controlled assets keep the chemical logistics market on a solid growth path. Petrochemical expansion in Asia-Pacific, rapid adoption of cold-chain solutions for battery electrolytes, and tighter EU rules on classification, labeling, and packaging are shaping capital allocation decisions throughout the sector. Digital tools that track tank-container conditions in real time, together with sustainability programs tied to Scope 3 goals, enable providers to win premium contracts even when freight capacity stays under tension. Service providers that combine multimodal options with advanced compliance know-how are steadily widening their margins while raising switching costs for shippers.
Key Report Takeaways
- By service, transportation captured 67% revenue share of the chemical logistics market in 2024, whereas Other Services are projected to post the fastest 6.4% CAGR through 2030.
- By end-user industry, Oil & Gas held 31% of the chemical logistics market share in 2024; Specialty Chemicals are set to expand at a leading 6.7% CAGR during the same horizon.
- By hazard class, hazardous cargo retained 73% share of the chemical logistics market size in 2024, yet non-hazardous volumes are advancing at a quicker 5.5% CAGR.
- By temperature control, non-temperature-controlled cargo commanded 61% of the chemical logistics market size in 2024, while temperature-controlled shipments are growing at a brisk 7.2% CAGR.
- By region, Asia-Pacific accounted for 38% of 2024 revenue and is projected to log the fastest 6.2% CAGR to 2030.
Global Chemical Logistics Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
| Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asian petrochemical output surge | +1.2% | Asia-Pacific core, Middle East spill-over | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| EU CLP & ADR 2024 compliance push | +0.8% | Europe and North America | Short term (≤2 years) |
| Modal shift to multimodal for decarbonisation | +0.6% | Global, early wins in Europe and North America | Long term (≥4 years) |
| Rise of specialty chemicals cold chain | +0.9% | Global | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| IoT-enabled Tank Containers Delivering Real-time Visibility | +0.4% | Global | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Green-Fleet & Scope-3 Emission Targets Creating Premium Service Niches | +0.5% | North America & Europe, expanding to Asia-Pacific | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Accelerated Asian petrochemical output boosting intra-regional volumes
New crackers in China, India, and Southeast Asia lift intra-regional freight demand, pressing logistics providers to scale tank-container fleets and rail-road combinations. Production clusters inside Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Regions reduce mile-ages but require high-frequency trunk routes to export terminals. Trade flow diversification away from single-country sourcing now favors networks able to serve India-ASEAN corridors. Large outbound volumes allow operators to maximize asset utilization and negotiate favorable slot allocations with carriers.
EU CLP & ADR 2024 revisions raising demand for compliance-centric 3PLs
New labeling and refillable-pack mandates effective December 2024 force shippers to adopt digital documentation and expanded safety data on every consignment. Providers versed in EU dangerous-goods codes capture volumes from small exporters lacking in-house expertise. Non-compliance fines that exceed USD 100,000 per day accelerate outsourcing, pushing up demand for 3PLs offering chain-of-custody traceability[1]Directorate-General for Environment, “Regulation (EU) 2023/707 on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures,” ec.europa.eu.
Modal shift to rail-road and multimodal for decarbonisation
Multimodal lanes that blend electrified rail with road cut CO₂ up to 81% when benchmarked against road-only moves. Regulatory incentives in the United States and Europe encourage dual-mode locomotives and intermittent electrification that lower total logistics cost while meeting Scope 3 targets. Early adopters such as Bertschi now report annual savings of more than 300,000 tons of CO₂, providing a defensible service premium[2]U.S. Department of Transportation, “Freight Rail Electrification Framework,” dot.gov.
Rising specialty chemicals require temperature-controlled logistics
Battery electrolytes and biopharma solvents cannot tolerate temperature drift, making cold-chain compliance a central tender criterion. Telemetry that halves average tank heating time to six hours lowers energy bills and reduces demurrage risk. Nearly USD 150 billion invested in North American gigafactories since 2024 increases cross-border flows of electrolyte ingredients, while growth in high-value solvents drives GDP-certified storage needs.
Restraints Impact Analysis
| Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global shortage of DG-certified drivers & tank assets | -1.1% | Global, acute in North America & Europe | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Volatile bunker/freight rates compressing 3PL margins | -0.7% | Global | Short term (≤2 years) |
| Port congestion & infrastructure gaps in South America & Africa | -0.4% | South America & Africa, spill-over effects globally | Long term (≥4 years) |
| Escalating hazardous-cargo liability insurance premiums | -0.3% | Global | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Global shortage of DG-certified drivers and tank assets
Worldwide unfilled truck posts exceed 3 million and could double by 2028, with only 12% of drivers below 25. Dangerous-goods certification raises entry barriers further, inflating wage bills and leaving capacity idle when qualified crews are unavailable. Tank-container leasing pools remain undersized relative to chemical production growth, prompting some shippers to pre-pay multiyear leases to lock in equipment [3]International Road Transport Union, “Driver Shortage Global Report 2024,” iru.org.
Volatile bunker and freight rates compressing 3PL margins
Container spot rates approach USD 20,000 while VLSFO premiums leapt 33% in early 2024, eroding margins on fixed-price contracts. Although 809 new chemical tankers are on order for 2025-2027, oversupply risk later in the decade keeps charterers cautious. Providers are adding bunker adjustment clauses but still absorb part of the volatility when renegotiations lag market changes[4]U.S. Energy Information Administration, “Marine Fuel Update April 2024,” eia.gov.
Segment Analysis
By Service: Transportation Dominance Amid Service Diversification
Transportation retained 67% of 2024 revenue, confirming its status as the backbone of the chemical logistics market. The segment benefits from rising inter-regional chemical trade and continues to scale fleets of ISO tanks, flexi-bags, and dedicated chemical trailers. Other Services—covering blending, repackaging, and regulatory support—are on track for a 6.4% CAGR, reflecting a pivot toward margin-rich value-adds.
Digital control towers allow providers to overlay visibility and compliance modules on top of core freight, producing sticky recurring income. Warehousing and inventory management grow steadily as manufacturers relocate buffers close to end markets to curb stock-outs. Integrated offerings that bundle GDP-certified storage with temperature-controlled transport appeal to pharmaceutical and specialty chemical firms looking to simplify vendor lists. Adoption of such bundles strengthens cross-sell potential and underpins wider acceptance of premium rates, reinforcing top-line momentum across the chemical logistics market.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
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By End-user Industry: Oil & Gas Leadership Challenged by Specialty Growth
Oil & Gas generated 31% of 2024 revenue, upheld by high-volume shipments of solvents, drilling fluids, and process chemicals that benefit from scale efficiencies. Nevertheless, the specialty segment is set for a 6.7% CAGR, driven by electronic materials, pharmaceutical intermediates, and battery electrolytes that carry higher service complexity and price points.
The switch to electric mobility accelerates demand for electrolyte salts and additives, prompting logistics providers to install temperature-stable tank farms near gigafactory clusters. Pharmaceutical ingredients maintain steady volume with strict GDP rules that reduce commoditization risk. Cosmetics shippers demand eco-certified handling of botanical extracts, favoring operators with green fleets. This changing mix keeps the chemical logistics market agile, encouraging diversification beyond legacy petrochemical volumes.
By Hazard Class: Safety Regulations Drive Service Premiums
Hazardous cargo took 73% of 2024 revenue, underscoring the importance of certified assets, specialist training, and robust insurance. Civil penalties above USD 100,000 per day for serious hazmat violations keep risk high and justify service premiums. Non-hazardous chemicals, while commanding lower freight rates, are advancing at 5.5% CAGR as green chemistry gains traction.
Rising registration fees and stiffer packaging rules make compliance expertise a source of competitive edge. Operators with modern stainless-steel tanks and in-house safety trainers lift fleet utilization while minimizing incident downtime. As more formulations shift toward safer classes, providers diversify their portfolio, lowering overall risk exposure yet enlarging the addressable base of the chemical logistics market.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
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By Temperature Control: Cold Chain Expansion Drives Premium Growth
Non-temperature-controlled cargo still covers 61% of revenue, largely anchored in commodity streams stable at ambient conditions. Temperature-controlled shipments, however, are predicted to grow 7.2% per year to 2030 on the back of pharmaceutical chemicals and battery components.
Cold chain infrastructure such as dual-compartment ISO tanks and reefers fitted with IoT sensors draws capital investment, but payback remains swift thanks to premium tariffs and reduced spoilage. Providers able to guarantee continuous monitoring win long-term contracts with biopharma innovators, strengthening their position in the chemical logistics market.
Geography Analysis
Asia-Pacific commands 38% of revenue and is on course for a 6.2% CAGR, helped by fresh petrochemical capacity, robust domestic consumption, and policy support that clusters production near efficient ports. China’s surplus output shifts cargo flows toward India and Southeast Asia, encouraging providers to create new corridor offerings that reroute volumes away from congested gateways. India’s government-backed PCPIR zones concentrate plants and trim drayage time, lifting intra-regional tonnage and reinforcing the chemical logistics market in Asia-Pacific.
North America and Europe remain mature but lucrative thanks to stringent regulations that favor expertise and integrated digital systems. EU CLP and ADR amendments push shippers to partners that can deliver compliant documentation on demand. North America benefits from a dense rail network that handles bulk acids and polymers under established standards. Sustainability pledges drive uptake of intermodal solutions that reduce emissions without sacrificing lead times.
South America and Africa trail on infrastructure yet present upside to operators willing to invest. Chronic port congestion in Lagos, Durban, and Mombasa prompts carriers to deploy feeder loops and inland depots that bypass bottlenecks. The African Continental Free Trade Area promises broader intra-African trade in chemicals, provided customs harmonization and corridor upgrades continue. Investment in rail revamps and inland dry ports could unlock latent demand, enlarging the future chemical logistics market footprint across these regions.
Note: Segments share of all individual segments available upon report purchase
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Competitive Landscape
The chemical logistics market shows moderate fragmentation. The top-tier DHL, Kuehne + Nagel, Maersk, and the enlarged DSV post-DB Schenker deal use global reach, dangerous-goods expertise, and digital visibility to shield margins. Mid-tier specialists such as Bertschi, Den Hartogh, and HOYER leverage deep tank-container fleets and multimodal hubs to offer bespoke flows that larger integrators sometimes overlook.
The 2025 DSV-DB Schenker combination creates a provider with nearly 160,000 staff in over 90 nations, expected to realize DKK 9 billion (USD 1.2 billion) annual synergies by 2028. DHL’s EUR 2 billion (USD 2.2 billion) allocation for life-science logistics through 2030 funds GDP-certified hubs across the Americas and Asia-Pacific, anchoring its position in temperature-controlled chemicals. Maersk integrates ocean, rail, and road with IoT-equipped flexi-bags and has announced extra green-fuel vessels to capture customers under Scope 3 mandates.
Digital tools move from optional extras to core differentiators. Real-time CO₂ dashboards, blockchain chain-of-custody, and predictive ETA engines boost retention by lowering audit time for shippers. Scale players pursue selective M&A to access regional tank farms or last-mile ADR fleets, while regional operators form alliances to secure reciprocal capacity. The competitive stakes rise further as customers tighten sustainability scorecards, making transparent emission data and certified equipment prerequisites for bid lists in the chemical logistics market.
Chemical Logistics Industry Leaders
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DHL Supply Chain
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Kuehne + Nagel International AG
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Maersk Logistics & Services
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HOYER Group
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C.H. Robinson Worldwide
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Recent Industry Developments
- April 2025: DSV completed the EUR 14.3 billion (USD 16.28 billion) acquisition of DB Schenker, forming one of the world’s largest integrated logistics groups with combined revenue of EUR 41.6 billion (USD 47.38 billion).
- March 2025: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines acquired LBC Tank Terminals for USD 1.71 billion, adding 3 million m³ of chemical storage in Europe and the United States.
- March 2025: DHL bought CRYOPDP, adding 600,000 annual temperature-controlled shipments and strengthening its clinical-trial logistics network.
- February 2025: NYK Stolt Tankers ordered six battery- and methanol-ready chemical tankers at a Chinese yard, reflecting a push for lower-emission fleets.
Research Methodology Framework and Report Scope
Market Definitions and Key Coverage
Our study defines the chemical logistics market as the aggregate revenue earned from transportation, warehousing, distribution, inventory management, and other value-added services that handle bulk and packaged chemicals across all hazard classes by road, rail, sea, air, and pipelines.
Scope exclusion: Direct-to-consumer parcel delivery of household chemical products is outside this assessment.
Segmentation Overview
- By Service
- Transportation
- Road
- Rail
- Sea/Ocean
- Air
- Warehousing, Distribution & Inventory Management
- Other Services
- Transportation
- By End-user Industry
- Pharmaceutical
- Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Oil & Gas
- Specialty Chemicals
- Other End-users
- By Hazard Class
- Hazardous Chemicals
- Non-hazardous Chemicals
- By Temperature Control
- Temperature-Controlled (Refrigerated/Heated)
- Non-Temperature-Controlled
- 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, Philippines)
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
- Europe
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Spain
- Italy
- BENELUX (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)
- NORDICS (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden)
- Rest of Europe
- Middle East and Africa
- United Arab Emirates
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Nigeria
- Rest of Middle East and Africa
- North America
Detailed Research Methodology and Data Validation
Primary Research
Mordor analysts interviewed global 3PL managers, tanker-operator planners, chemical-plant logistics heads in Asia, Europe, and North America, and regional regulators overseeing dangerous-goods transit. Their insights clarified real-world cost ratios, capacity utilization swings, and emerging safety practices that secondary material alone could not quantify.
Desk Research
We began with public datasets such as UN Comtrade trade codes, OECD-ITF freight performance panels, the International Council of Chemical Associations' production indices, and national hazmat flow statistics from agencies like the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Company filings, investor presentations, and reputable trade journals added service mix and pricing context. Subscription tools including D&B Hoovers for 3PL financials and Dow Jones Factiva for deal tracking rounded out the desk review. These sources illustrate, rather than exhaust, the reference pool our analysts consulted.
Market-Sizing & Forecasting
A top-down build starts with global chemical output (tons and value) and applies mode-wise logistics spend shares that are narrowed by hazard class and temperature control. This is followed by regional trade reconstructions. Select bottom-up checks, sampled carrier revenues, port throughput, and average selling price × volume calculations validate and fine-tune totals. Key model drivers include chemical production tonnage, Freightos Baltic rate indices, new tank-container fleet additions, industrial GDP shifts, and announced chemical CAPEX pipelines. Multivariate regression, supplemented by scenario analysis for regulation or fuel-price shocks, projects the 2025-2030 trajectory.
Data Validation & Update Cycle
Outputs pass variance screens against independent freight metrics before two-level analyst reviews. Reports refresh every twelve months, with interim revisions when material events, such as regulation, strike, or supply shock, trigger re-contact of core respondents. A final sense-check is completed immediately before client release.
Why Our Chemical Logistics Baseline Earns Boardroom Trust
Published figures often differ because each firm chooses unique service baskets, pricing assumptions, and refresh rhythms. When we select inputs, we align them with observable trade flows and verified carrier billings, so decision-makers know exactly what the number embodies.
Key gap drivers include varying treatment of warehousing, exclusion of non-hazardous cargo by some publishers, divergent exchange-rate bases, and inconsistent uplift factors for fuel surcharges, which together widen estimate spreads.
Benchmark comparison
| Market Size | Anonymized source | Primary gap driver |
|---|---|---|
| USD 509.8 B | Mordor Intelligence | |
| USD 303.1 B | Global Consultancy A | Covers transportation only; pipelines reported separately |
| USD 291.9 B | Research Publisher B | Uses fixed 2021 currency rates; omits non-hazardous flows |
| USD 275.1 B | Industry Journal C | Relies on averaged carrier revenues; overlooks recent freight-rate surge |
The comparison shows that when scope breadth, current pricing, and multi-source validation come together, Mordor delivers a balanced, transparent baseline that practitioners can retrace and replicate with confidence.
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Key Questions Answered in the Report
What is the current size of the chemical logistics market?
The chemical logistics market is valued at USD 509.8 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 649.6 billion by 2030 at a 4.97% CAGR.
Why are temperature-controlled services growing so quickly?
Rising shipments of battery electrolytes and biopharma solvents require strict temperature management, pushing temperature-controlled logistics to a 7.2% CAGR through 2030.
How is regulation affecting chemical logistics in Europe?
The revised EU CLP Regulation and upcoming ADR 2025 rules tighten labeling and dangerous-goods transport standards, increasing demand for compliance-focused 3PL services.
What is the biggest operational challenge facing providers?
A global shortage of DG-certified drivers and tank-container assets is constraining capacity, potentially shaving 1.1 percentage points off the market’s forecast CAGR.
How are sustainability goals influencing service offerings?
Shippers seek multimodal and low-carbon options that cut CO₂ emissions, enabling providers with green fleets and real-time carbon tracking to secure premium contracts.
Which region leads the chemical logistics market?
Asia Pacific holds the largest 38% revenue share in 2024 and is also the fastest-growing region with a 6.2% CAGR through 2030.
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