Electric self-propelled fork-lift trucks market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The Romanian market for electric self-propelled fork-lift trucks saw its volume fluctuate between 8,000 and nearly 16,000 units from 2018 to 2024, with a general upward trend. Initial years were shaped by technical regulations, such as the ongoing ISCIR prescription requiring certification for imported and domestic models, which structured market entry. Concurrently, EU noise and air quality rules implemented nationally encouraged the adoption of electric equipment in warehouses. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 accelerated internal logistics automation, as companies sought electric trucks to reduce physical contact, setting the stage for subsequent growth.

Market volume surged past 10,000 units in 2021 and reached over 15,900 units in 2022. This expansion was primarily driven by regulatory updates and financial incentives. The updated I7/2011 norm introducing new arc-fault protection requirements raised design standards. Furthermore, the extension of the Rabla Plus subsidy program to industrial equipment, including electric fork-lifts, provided direct purchase incentives in 2022. Specific safety legislation for lithium-ion batteries also compelled manufacturers to introduce EU-certified models, refreshing the available product range.

After a correction in 2023, the market stabilized around 14,800 units in 2024. The period was characterized by continued product development and supportive infrastructure. Major international brands launched new electric models with advanced assistance features, diversifying choices. Press coverage highlighted key decision factors like lower operating costs and regulatory compliance. Finally, 2024 brought strengthened support through updated EU energy labeling rules for industrial equipment, a government grant program for renewable energy investments in logistics, and the expansion of the fast-charging station network, which facilitated easier deployment of electric fork-lifts.

Production electric self-propelled fork-lift trucks in Romania

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Romania's production of electric self-propelled forklift trucks declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 8 607 thousand US dollars, reflecting a gradual decline of 6.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2020, production decreased by 11.6%, which equates to an annualized rate of 4.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Romania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, unit

In 2020, Romania produced 3 304 units of electric self-propelled forklift trucks, indicating a drop of 14.5% compared to 2019. Between 2018 and 2020, production decreased by 12.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.3%. The maximum production was recorded in 2019 at 3 863 units, with the largest increase of 2.4% also occurring in that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Romania in kind, 2017-2020, unit

Exports electric self-propelled fork-lift trucks from Romania

Exports in kind, unit

After a two-year rise, Romania's exports of electric self-propelled forklift trucks declined. In 2020, Romania exported 281 units, marking a drop of 52.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 24.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -8.8%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 590 units, while the largest increase of 27.5% occurred in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Romania in kind, 2017-2020, unit

From 2017 to 2020, the leading destinations for Romania's exports of electric self-propelled forklift trucks in kind were Germany (35.7% of exports), Bulgaria (34.3% of exports), and Moldova (13.1% of exports). Together, these three countries accounted for 83.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Romania in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.5-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Romania's export volume of electric self-propelled forklift trucks reached 3 107 thousand US dollars, representing an abrupt reduction of 26.3% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 4 215 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase of 145.2% occurred in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Romania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria (46.0% of exports in value terms), Moldova (26.7% of exports in value terms), and Germany (14.7% of exports in value terms) accounted for the largest share of Romania's exports by value. Together, these three countries comprised 87.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Romania in value, 2017-2020

Imports electric self-propelled fork-lift trucks to Romania

Imports in kind, unit

Romania's imports of electric self-propelled forklift trucks declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 4 996 units, indicating a small decline of 1.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 22.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -8.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Romania in kind, 2017-2020, unit

From 2017 to 2020, Germany (51.0% of imports in kind), Italy (18.4% of imports in kind), and the United Kingdom (9.7% of imports in kind) formed the main group of sources for Romania's imports of electric self-propelled forklift trucks. Together, these three countries accounted for 79.1% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Romania in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Romania imported a total of 55 373 thousand US dollars worth of electric self-propelled forklift trucks, indicating a slight advance of 2.1% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 15.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.0%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 69 917 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 46.2% also occurring in that year. The largest decline of 22.4% was recorded in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Romania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany (51.5% of imports in value terms), the United Kingdom (14.6% of imports in value terms), and Italy (12.5% of imports in value terms) remained the key partners for Romania's imports by value. Together, these three countries accounted for 78.6% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Romania in value, 2017-2020