China Becomes the Second-Largest Source of Demand for Logistics Real Estate in Brazil

The effects of this movement are already visible in the real estate sector. Exclusive SiiLA data shows that Chinese companies accumulated approximately 1.2 million square meters (12.9 million square feet) of net absorption in industrial and logistics properties between the first quarter of 2021 and the first quarter of 2026.

Much of this growth was driven by e-commerce companies. Shopee accounted for the largest expansion during the period, with approximately 800,000 square meters of net absorption, followed by Shein with around 215,000 square meters. Together, the two companies represent more than 80% of all real estate expansion recorded among the Chinese companies analyzed by SiiLA.

Beyond e-commerce, expansion also reached the technology, manufacturing, and mobility sectors. Companies such as Huawei, Lenovo, TCL, BYD, Midea Carrier, Yangzi, and Anjun expanded their operations over the last five years.

Among the highlights, Huawei nearly doubled its occupied area, increasing from 17,800 square meters to 34,900 square meters. Lenovo expanded its footprint by more than 7,000 square meters. BYD, which launched its manufacturing operation in Brazil, recorded close to 10,000 square meters of net absorption. TCL added more than 61,000 square meters to its occupied area.

Between the first quarter of 2021 and the first quarter of 2026, the space occupied by Chinese companies in Class A and A+ logistics facilities increased from 654,000 square meters to 1.28 million square meters, representing growth of approximately 621,000 square meters, or 95%, during the period.

When cumulative net absorption is analyzed, China ranks as the second-largest source of demand for logistics space in Brazil, with a positive balance of 1.2 million square meters. The country trails only Argentina, which accumulated 1.87 million square meters of net absorption, largely driven by Mercado Libre’s expansion.

Chinese companies therefore outperform, by a wide margin, economies traditionally associated with productive investment in Brazil. Companies from the United States recorded net absorption of 637,000 square meters—roughly half the volume generated by Chinese firms—while Germany and Japan posted net absorption totals of 212,000 square meters and 199,000 square meters, respectively.

In 2021, Chinese companies ranked 13th among foreign nationalities with the largest presence in Brazil’s Class A and A+ logistics market. Five years later, they had climbed to fifth place, surpassing more established markets such as Canada, Belgium, Mexico, Taiwan, and Switzerland.

The performance is particularly noteworthy given that many nationalities experienced modest growth, stagnation, or even contraction during the same period. Countries such as the Netherlands, Switzerland, Peru, India, and Australia ended the period with negative net absorption, indicating downsizing or closures of logistics operations.

In contrast, Chinese companies not only expanded their physical footprint but also established themselves as one of the primary drivers of demand in Brazil’s logistics real estate sector.