Logistics UK says the sector remains resilient as economic pressures continue
UK economic growth is showing signs of strengthening, but logistics firms are still battling a difficult trading environment and sustained cost pressures.
Logistics UK welcomed the latest GDP figures, which estimate the economy grew by 0.5% between April and June 2026, while the services sector expanded by 0.6%.
However, the business group said the Transportation & Storage figures painted a more subdued picture, reflecting pressures faced by logistics operators during the period.
Logistics UK chief executive Ben Fletcher said the broader growth figures were encouraging.
“It is an encouraging sign that economic activity is gaining momentum across the UK with GDP growth between April and June estimated to be 0.5% alongside services sector growth of 0.6%.”
He said the logistics sector had faced cost pressures linked to the early stages of the Middle East conflict, but had remained stable despite wider international disruption.
According to Logistics UK, that stability demonstrates the resilience of the sector and the importance of supply chains in supporting economic activity across the country.
Fletcher said: “As the sector responsible for keeping goods moving throughout the UK, logistics is often one of the clearest indicators of wider economic conditions.”
He added that the latest Transportation & Storage figures highlighted the challenging trading conditions still affecting many businesses.
Logistics UK is now calling for policies that encourage business investment, improve infrastructure and remove barriers to growth.
The organisation said a competitive and efficient logistics sector would be important to strengthening the wider economy and supporting a return to sustainable growth.
Fletcher said: “The logistics sector remains resilient, but today's figures demonstrate the importance of policies that support business investment, improve infrastructure and reduce barriers to growth.”
Logistics UK represents businesses across road, rail, water and air freight, as well as retailers, manufacturers and other companies that rely on the movement of goods.
The group said the sector is also navigating major long-term changes, including decarbonisation, new technology and disruption across international supply chains.