Home > Industrial Machinery > Material Handling Equipment > Lift Trucks Market
Based on products, the forklifts segment is projected to exceed USD 140 billion by 2032. The material handling business relies heavily on forklifts to lift, move, and stack palletized products, making them indispensable in warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and logistical operations. Forklifts are available in a variety of designs (electric, ICE, rough terrain) to meet specific requirements.
Furthermore, a variety of accessories, such as pallet rotators, boom attachments, and side shifters, increase their versatility for particular jobs. Forklifts accommodate a wide range of weight needs. Lightweight electric versions are suited for lower weights while heavy-duty ICE forklifts are capable of hauling enormous cargo containers. Forklifts are often less expensive to acquire than other lift truck categories such as telehandlers or aerial work platforms. This affordability makes them accessible to a wider range of businesses.
Based on classes, the class III segment held approximately 41% share of the lift trucks market in 2023. Class III trucks, often known as electric motorized hand trucks or pallet jacks, are the most adaptable form of lift trucks. They can be utilized for a variety of purposes in warehouses, distribution centers, retail stores, and light industrial facilities. Class III vehicles are substantially more cost-effective to buy, operate, and maintain than bigger lift trucks. Their electric motors require less maintenance than ICE, and their small size results in lower energy use. These vehicles are generally simple to operate, requiring less training than bigger forklifts.
Asia Pacific region dominated the global lift trucks market with a share of over 39% in 2023. The region is experiencing an increase in industrial activities, especially in China and India. This rise in numerous sectors, such as automotive, FMCG, and construction, increases the need for lift trucks for effective material handling. Furthermore, the e-commerce boom is fueling the demand for larger and more efficient warehouses across APAC. This results in increased demand for lift trucks to manage inventory movement and order fulfillment in these facilities.
Warehouses and logistics facilities around the U.S are witnessing increased automation. This involves the use of ALTs and AGVs, which may work independently, increasing efficiency and production. The U.S. government has imposed tighter emission standards to address air pollution, generating demand for electric and alternative fuel-powered lift trucks. Additionally, the country is home to numerous significant lift truck manufacturers and distributors. These firms are critical to the lift truck industry's innovation and technical growth.
European countries including France, Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands are witnessing significant growth in the lift trucks market. The rise in online shopping is fueling the growth of warehouses and logistics facilities throughout Europe. This, in turn, raises the demand for lift trucks to transport items within these facilities. European warehouses are increasingly using automation technology to boost efficiency and output. This includes automated lift trucks, which can function without human involvement, accelerating market expansion. Moreover, countries in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region, such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are experiencing a significant construction boom, fueled by infrastructure development projects and urbanization, which is a major driver for lift trucks. These trucks are essential for efficiently handling and transporting building materials at construction sites.