Net Absorption Drops to Lowest Level Since 2012 on Lack of New Supply
Our latest research report presents the key trends and statistics for the U.S. industrial market. While U.S. industrial property fundamentals remain very healthy, with record high asking rents and occupancy, a plunge in overall net absorption was the big story in Q1 2019. Overall net absorption finished at 39.2 million square feet, the lowest quarterly total since Q3 2012. While first quarters tend to be the lowest quarter for net absorption in each year, the decline this quarter of almost 25% was significant for its sheer magnitude. A key factor certainly seems to be a simultaneous drop in new inventory added, so we anticipate a pickup in absorption this spring on the strength of greater deliveries. But we will also be watching for the expected economic slowdown, as well as escalating trade concerns, for any impacts on industrial property demand.
Our latest research report presents the key trends and statistics for the U.S. industrial market. While U.S. industrial property fundamentals remain very healthy, with record high asking rents and occupancy, a plunge in overall net absorption was the big story in Q1 2019. Overall net absorption finished at 39.2 million square feet, the lowest quarterly total since Q3 2012. While first quarters tend to be the lowest quarter for net absorption in each year, the decline this quarter of almost 25% was significant for its sheer magnitude. A key factor certainly seems to be a simultaneous drop in new inventory added, so we anticipate a pickup in absorption this spring on the strength of greater deliveries. But we will also be watching for the expected economic slowdown, as well as escalating trade concerns, for any impacts on industrial property demand.
