Savannah solidifies position as leading U.S. industrial hub

SAVANNAH (October 27, 2025) — JLL today announces new research illustrating Savannah's continued industrial momentum. For the second consecutive quarter, Savannah leads the U.S. as a percentage of market in year-to-date absorption, while strong leasing activity, a balanced construction pipeline and expanded port operations further cement the market as an industrial stronghold. Since opening its Savannah office in 2021, JLL has played a significant role in the market’s historic performance. JLL’s Savannah team includes Executive Managing Directors Bennett Rudder and Ryan Hoyt, Vice President Lindsey Wilmot and Vice Chairman Chris Tomasulo.

According to JLL’s Q3 2025 Savannah Industrial Market Dynamics, 3 million square feet of leases were signed last quarter, bringing the year-to-date total to 9 million square feet. So far this year, 14 bulk deals (250,000 square feet or larger) have been signed, accounting for the majority of leasing activity. Notably, 96% of leases signed this year were new deals, demonstrating the market’s continued attractiveness to tenants and investors. Hyundai's Meta Plant continues to spur additional industrial activity and investment in the market, particularly in Ellabell, which has seen over 4.3 million square feet of annual net absorption. This absorption accounts for more than 63% of Savannah’s total net absorption this year.

"Once again, Savannah has proven itself to be one of the country’s leading industrial hubs,” said Tomasulo. “Its positive absorption is outpacing much larger markets like Atlanta – a market that is five times larger in size. Looking ahead, we are seeing an increase in both bulk and super-bulk requirements, signalling healthy demand from large-scale users.”

JLL experts report that there are over 18 million square feet of active tenant requirements in the market, including several that are 1 million square feet in size. This tenant demand is balanced by available supply and a development pipeline that includes 4.8 million square feet of warehouse and distribution space under construction. There is new construction activity in the super-bulk arena, including The Cubes at Interstate Centre II in Ellabell which recently saw the groundbreaking of a 1.1 million-square-foot building. JLL handles leasing for the industrial park on behalf of the developer, CRG.

The Port of Savannah is a catalyst for the market’s continued dominance. As the fastest-growing container gateway on the East and Gulf Coasts, it handled 534,037 TEUs in August, a 9% year-over-year increase and the third-highest recorded in its history. In addition, a new "lay berth" process is further optimizing transit times, ultimately saving inbound vessels up to 15 hours. This year, the Georgia Ports Authority approved $614 million for improvements at Ocean Terminal as part of a larger project that encompasses $4.6 billion over the next decade. The port’s activity is a key economic driver for Savannah and now supports nearly 651,000 jobs across Georgia.

“Between a healthy tenant pipeline, steady leasing activity and the future expansion of the port, Savannah’s industrial sector is in a prime position for future growth,” said Rudder. “Despite global economic challenges, Savannah’s market fundamentals have promoted a balance of supply and demand for industrial space. This is one of the most competitive markets in the country for high-growth users looking to solidify or grow their East Coast footprint.”

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