The German Association for Parcel and Express Logistics (BIEK) has published its annual courier, express and parcel services study, which examines shipment volumes, revenues and other key figures.

In 2022, a total of 4.15 billion items were delivered to both private and commercial recipients in Germany. Compared to the high starting level in 2021, the market in 2022 declined by -7.9%, but with a plus of 14% it is clearly above the pre-Corona level.

The reason for the high parcel volumes has most recently always been orders from private individuals. Almost 11% fewer items were delivered to private recipients last year. Consumer restraint and the resumption of stationary shopping are likely reasons for this. A trend that is particularly evident in large online shops. In contrast, shipments between companies are stable: A decline in shipments of only 4 per cent was determined for the B2B sector.

"The decline shows that the Corona pandemic has been overcome - and with it the enormous CEP demand, which had ensured exceptionally strong shipment growth since 2020. The year-on-year decline is therefore a comparison with the extremes of the pandemic. The long-term upward trend of the CEP market since 2012 persists in the medium term despite the current decline," is the general market assessment of the BIEK in its press release.

Until 2027, the association anticipates an average annual growth of 3.3 per cent in the volume of consignments - thus almost 4.9 billion consignments are expected.  And even in the course of the second half of 2023, the CEP market could increase, although the forecast depends on significant factors; these include the Ukraine war, inflation, income, consumer sentiment, but also supply chain problems as well as changes and shifts in international flows of goods.

You can find more information and download the study here (German only)