The Czech economy, driven by manufacturing and e-commerce, needs efficient global supply chain management

The Czech Republic has long been one of the most industrialised economies in Central and Eastern Europe. At the same time, it is one of the fastest-growing e-commerce markets in Europe. This unique economic profile means that businesses operating in the country are deeply integrated into international supply chains, creating growing demand for end-to-end logistics solutions and global supply chain management.

Czech manufacturing: strengths and challenges

Manufacturing remains the backbone of the Czech economy, accounting for nearly 30% of the country's GDP. The automotive, machinery, electronics and chemical industries have built a strong industrial ecosystem supported by decades of know-how, a highly skilled workforce, developed infrastructure and an extensive supplier base. These strengths are becoming even more important as manufacturers increasingly adopt nearshoring strategies, relocating production closer to European markets to improve supply chain resilience and reduce transit times. The automotive sector illustrates this trend particularly well. The Czech Republic is strengthening its position not only as one of Europe's leading vehicle producers but also as a growing hub for electromobility. Investments such as Toyota's new battery electric vehicle and battery assembly project in Kolín demonstrate the country's ability to attract advanced manufacturing projects and support the ongoing transformation of the European automotive industry.

At the same time, the structure of the Czech economy also creates certain challenges. The country's industrial sector has long been closely integrated with German manufacturing, making Germany by far the Czech Republic's largest trading partner, accounting for around 30% of the country's goods exports. A significant share of Czech exports consists of intermediate goods, machinery, electrical equipment and automotive components supplied to German industry. While this close cooperation has been a major driver of growth for decades, the recent slowdown in German manufacturing has highlighted the importance of diversifying both export markets and supply chains. In this context, neighbouring CEE markets, particularly Poland – already one of the Czech Republic's most important trading partners and one of Europe's fastest-growing and most resilient economies in recent years – are becoming increasingly important growth opportunities for Czech businesses.

Europe's most active online shoppers

Alongside its industrial strength, the Czech Republic has become one of Europe's fastest-growing e-commerce markets. Online sales already account for around 17% of total retail trade, well above the EU average of approximately 11%. Czech consumers are among the region's most active online shoppers, with electronics, fashion, home & living products and groceries among the most popular product categories. The market is also becoming increasingly sophisticated. Consumers expect broad product availability, seamless shopping experiences and convenient delivery options, while retailers continue expanding their cross-border operations. As a result, the Czech Republic is strengthening its position not only as a key consumer market but also as a gateway for online retail across Central and Eastern Europe.

Connecting Czech businesses with global markets

These trends are driving growing demand for integrated logistics services tailored to the needs of different industries. On one hand, businesses require comprehensive warehousing, value-added services such as co-packing and order fulfilment, as well as efficient road transport to support distribution across multiple sales channels. Whether delivering to manufacturing plants, retail chains, e-commerce fulfilment centres or directly to consumers, companies increasingly expect logistics providers to ensure reliable and flexible distribution both within the Czech Republic and across European markets.

On the other hand, both manufacturing and e-commerce increasingly operate on a global scale. Manufacturers rely on imported components and raw materials from different markets like Asia, LATAM, USA, while retailers source finished goods from international suppliers and serve customers across multiple markets. As a result, businesses require reliable international freight solutions connecting the Czech Republic with global trade routes.

This is driving demand for both air and ocean freight services. Prague Airport provides extensive connections with global markets and plays an important role in handling time-sensitive cargo. Although the Czech Republic has no direct access to the sea, its connectivity to global markets is supported by efficient links with neighbouring countries. Alongside the ports of Germany and the Netherlands, Polish seaports are playing an increasingly important role as gateways for Czech imports and exports. At Rohlig SUUS Logistics, we handle container pick-ups and deliveries between Polish seaports and the Czech market, both intermodally and by road, through direct services or our network of daily groupage lines connecting Prague with Wrocław and Brno and Ostrava with Katowice.

Efficient customs, efficient supply chains

As global supply chains become more complex, efficient customs management has become just as important as transport itself. Delays at border crossings, changing trade regulations and growing compliance requirements can significantly affect delivery times, inventory levels and overall supply chain performance. Businesses today increasingly expect comprehensive customs support covering import, export and transit procedures, inward and outward processing, customs warehousing, temporary storage, and certificates of origin. Equally important is support in complying with evolving EU regulations, including CBAM and EUDR, which are placing new reporting and due diligence obligations on companies involved in international trade.

To meet these needs, Rohlig SUUS Logistics provides end-to-end customs services integrated with transport and warehousing operations. Strengthening our presence in the Czech market, we recently opened a new customs office in Brno, located in the Brno-Slatina Customs Office building, with immediate access to the D1 and D2 motorways and close to Brno Airport. This enables us to provide faster and more efficient customs support for companies operating across both regional and global supply chains.

One-stop-shop logistics in the Czech market

At Rohlig SUUS Logistics, we see significant business potential in the Czech market. We have been present in the country for more than eight years, providing comprehensive logistics solutions. As businesses increasingly operate in more complex and global supply chains, they are looking for one-stop-shop logistics providers capable of integrating transport, warehousing, customs and supply chain services within one coordinated operation. We are consistently expanding our operations to better support these evolving needs. Over the years, we have opened a modern logistics center in Brno, developed regular groupage connections linking the Czech Republic with Poland and other CEE markets, and most recently strengthened our local capabilities with a new customs office in Brno and a dedicated Customer Care department at our Prague office.