The DHL Group plans to invest more than 400 million euros to support the growth and resilience of supply chains in Central and Eastern Europe, including Romania
- The multi-year investment program, running through 2030, will expand logistics infrastructure, transportation networks, and technological solutions for supply chains
- According to the latest DHL Globalization Tracker report, Poland’s trade in goods is projected to grow 28% faster than global trade between 2026 and 2029
- DHL is celebrating 35 years of operations in Poland, where it employs over 10,000 people and continues to invest in infrastructure, technology, and employee skills development
Bucharest 2026: DHL Group plans to invest over 400 million euros in Central and Eastern Europe by 2030, strengthening logistics infrastructure, international connectivity, and technological solutions for supply chains.
These investments will support customers in developing more resilient and flexible supply chains. The planned investments reflect DHL’s confidence in the region’s long-term growth potential, as global trade patterns are shifting and companies are reevaluating their production, procurement, and distribution strategies. As part of the DHL Group’s 2030 strategy, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Romania have been identified as markets with strong geographic advantages, due to their increasingly important role in European production, trade, and distribution networks, as well as the long-term trend of companies outside Europe to bring their operations closer to the European market through nearshoring strategies.
The investment program will cover several divisions of the DHL Group and will support the expansion of contract logistics capabilities, warehouse infrastructure, B2B transport networks, “control tower” solutions for supply chains, as well as international express courier services and freight transport capabilities.
“Central and Eastern Europe is becoming increasingly important for global trade flows and supply chain networks, and Poland in particular is emerging as one of the most dynamic logistics and manufacturing hubs in Europe,” said John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. “As customers seek greater resilience and flexibility, they need logistics partners capable of seamlessly connecting production, inventory, and markets across borders. Through these investments, we are expanding the infrastructure and international connectivity needed to support the growth plans of dynamic companies that contribute to the region’s economic development.”
Poland’s Progress Highlights the Region’s Potential DHL’s announcement coincides with the launch in Poland of the latest edition of the DHL Globalization Tracker, as well as the celebration of the company’s 35 years of operation in this market.
The results highlight Poland’s remarkable economic transformation and the country’s growing importance as a European hub for trade and manufacturing. Between 2016 and 2025, Poland’s trade in goods grew 2.1 times faster than global trade and 2.7 times faster than trade within the European Union. For the period 2026–2029, Poland’s trade in goods is projected to grow 28% faster than global trade and 91% faster than EU trade.
The analysis also points to an increasing diversification of Poland’s trade relations. Germany remains an important trading partner, and the majority of Poland’s trade continues to take place within the European Union. At the same time, trade with the United States and China has grown significantly over the past decade.
Hendrik Venter, CEO of DHL Supply Chain, stated: “Central and Eastern Europe is strengthening its role as a strategic location for manufacturing, distribution, and regional fulfillment operations, particularly for companies seeking greater proximity to the European market. The region is also home to a growing number of entrepreneurial companies that are expanding their operations, strengthening the resilience of their supply chains, and exploring opportunities for expansion into international markets. For example, DHL Supply Chain recently entered the Romanian market by expanding its partnership with the Polish retailer Pepco, as part of the retailer’s expansion in the region. Our investments in warehousing, transportation, and “control tower” solutions for supply chains will help customers respond more quickly to market changes, manage increasing complexity, build more resilient supply chains, and capitalize on new growth opportunities in Central and Eastern Europe.”
Investments Built on a Solid Track Record Poland will continue to play a central role in the DHL Group’s growth plans for the region. In recent years, the DHL Group has made significant investments in the Polish market. In 2024, DHL opened a 180-million-euro International Logistics Center in Poznań, one of the company’s largest logistics investments in Poland. The facility serves several DHL divisions, including DHL eCommerce, DHL Freight, and Post & Parcel Germany, and serves as a key logistics hub connecting Poland to European and global markets.
“DHL has played an active role in transforming Poland into one of Europe’s leading economies, and we are proud of the positive contribution that our capabilities and, above all, our colleagues in Poland make every day to the development of this important market,” said Pablo Ciano, CEO of DHL eCommerce. “In recent years, we have already made significant investments in our fulfillment centers and in our networks of lockers and out-of-home pickup points, with the goal of offering more options to the Polish e-commerce market and consumers. Looking ahead to the coming years, DHL remains committed to supporting Poland in developing its human capital, strengthening its position in global value chains, and facilitating access for Poland’s truly remarkable companies to new growth opportunities in international markets.”
The broader investment program also includes the planned construction of a new DHL Express terminal for express air freight in Katowice, as well as continued investments by DHL Supply Chain, DHL Freight, DHL eCommerce, and DHL Global Forwarding in warehouse and distribution networks and in the implementation of advanced technologies.
Poland ranks among the DHL Group’s top ten markets worldwide in terms of the number of employees, with over 10,000 people. Ongoing investment in employee skills and expertise remains a priority, as DHL supports Polish companies seeking to expand into international markets and move toward higher-value-added manufacturing and supply chain operations.
As global supply chains continue to evolve, DHL expects Central and Eastern Europe to play an increasingly important role in connecting European production, consumption, and trade. Through ongoing investments in infrastructure, technology, and people, DHL is strengthening its ability to help customers build more resilient supply chains that are better connected to international markets.
At a Glance
What did DHL announce?
DHL Group plans to invest over 400 million euros in Central and Eastern Europe by 2030 to expand logistics infrastructure, international connectivity, and supply chain capabilities.
Why is DHL investing in the region?
The company sees strong growth potential, driven by the region’s geographic advantages, the expansion of manufacturing activities, rising trade flows, and the growing demand for resilient supply chains.
Why is Poland important?
Poland is one of the fastest-growing trade hubs in Europe. Between 2016 and 2025, trade in goods grew 2.1 times faster than global trade, and growth for the coming period is projected to exceed the pace of both global and EU trade.
How will customers benefit?
Customers will have access to additional capacity for warehousing, transport networks, “control tower” solutions for supply chains, international express courier services, and freight transport solutions that enhance resilience, visibility, and flexibility and facilitate access to new markets.
What investments has DHL already made in Poland?
Recent investments include the International Logistics Center in Poznań, valued at 180 million euros, which opened in 2024.
The report and additional information are available at dhl.com/globalization.