BPEX Study Shows Robust Growth in the KEP Sector

The courier, express, and parcel market (KEP) is experiencing robust growth in 2024. This is shown by the current KEP Study 2025, published today by the Federal Association of Parcel and Express Logistics (BPEX). The volume of shipments is increasing overall by 115 million to around 4.29 billion. This corresponds to an increase of 2.8%. Total revenue rises by 4.1% to around 27.6 billion euros.

(Berlin) Thus, the parcel industry remains on a stable growth path despite the challenging development of the global economy. In 2024, around 266,300 people were employed in the parcel industry. This is 5,800 or 2.2% more employees than in the previous year.

5.5% More B2C, 1.6% Less B2B

Due to the increases in online retail, the business with private customers continues to grow in 2024. B2C shipments are expected to rise by 5.5% and now account for 60% of all KEP shipments. In contrast, the volume of B2B shipments (shipping from business to business) is decreasing by 1.6%. This is mainly due to the weak domestic economy and demand. The differing development of market segments throughout the year shows that the parcel industry is not spared from the difficult overall economic situation.

Marten Bosselmann: “Politics must deliver as well.”

“We are living in turbulent times, where the KEP sector keeps the economy and society running,” says Marten Bosselmann, Chairman of BPEX. “The robust growth of almost three percent is a reflection of an industry that is evolving – with smart solutions, new technologies, and a keen sense of what customers expect today: speed, reliability, and increasingly sustainability. To continue enabling growth, politics must also deliver. This means less bureaucracy and regulation, as well as practical guidelines and meaningful reporting obligations,” Bosselmann demands.

By 2030, around 5.19 billion shipments are possible

If the forecasts are accurate, a total shipment volume of 5.19 billion shipments is expected by 2030. This would correspond to an average annual growth of 3.2%. By 2029, the number of transported KEP shipments could already exceed the 5 billion mark.

KEP Study 2025 Highlights Key Trends Until 2030

The KEP Study has been published annually since 2004 and is prepared by KE-CONSULT Kurte&Esser GbR on behalf of BPEX. It provides a current and comprehensive picture of market development, trends, and the economic significance of the entire KEP sector in Germany. In a special chapter, the KEP Study 2025 highlights the key trends in the industry until 2030. The focus is particularly on out-of-home delivery, international trade, as well as e-commerce, investments in cyber and physical security, and future requirements for the professional profile of delivery personnel.

You can find the study for download here

Photo: © BPEX / Image caption (from left to right): Dr. Klaus Esser (Author of the KEP Study 2025, KE-CONSULT Kurte&Esser GbR), Marten Bosselmann (Chairman, Federal Association of Parcel and Express Logistics), Heike Hoffert (Head of Communication, Federal Association of Parcel and Express Logistics); Photographer: Frank Nürnberger