Electric self-propelled fork-lift trucks market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

Production of electric self-propelled fork-lift trucks in Sweden expanded from 80.8 thousand units in 2020 to 101.6 thousand units in 2023. This growth was supported by continuous product innovation, including the STILL RX 20 series winning the IFOY award in 2018 for its quiet operation and compact design, and the launch of the STILL RX 60-25/35 series in 2020 focused on promoting a carbon-free economy and setting new productivity records.

While domestic market volume in physical terms reached 18.4 thousand units in 2021, it declined to 7.8 thousand units by 2023 as exports grew from 73.6 thousand units in 2020 to 102.5 thousand units in 2023. The industry's shift toward electrification and lithium-ion batteries, offering maintenance-free operation and fast charging, enhanced the global competitiveness of Swedish production, aligning with increased international demand for sustainable material handling equipment.

The broader transport electrification trend in Sweden, evidenced by Volvo delivering nearly 9,000 fully electric heavy trucks and Scania selling around 6,500 electric or alternative-fuel vehicles in 2024, along with the launch of new electric large trucks from Cat featuring advanced technology, reinforced the market's direction towards automated, energy-efficient solutions and resilient supply chains.

Production electric self-propelled fork-lift trucks in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, unit

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

Exports electric self-propelled fork-lift trucks from Sweden

Exports in kind, unit

Sweden's exports of electric self-propelled forklift trucks declined after two years of growth. In 2019, exports reached their peak at 95 502 units, but then fell by 22.9% to 73 619 units in 2020. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 14%, which translates to an average annual decline of 4.9%. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 5.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, no single market dominated Sweden's exports of electric self-propelled forklift trucks. The top three destinations—Belgium with 19.7% of exports, Germany with 13.6%, and Italy with 8.5%—collectively accounted for 41.8% of total exports. Many smaller partners held modest individual shares, contributing to a diversified export structure.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Sweden's export value of electric self-propelled forklift trucks dropped after two years of increase. In 2019, exports peaked at 865.2 million US dollars, but then declined by 13.9% to 745.0 million US dollars in 2020. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 4.9%, averaging an annual decrease of 1.7%. The largest annual growth was recorded in 2018, with an 8.7% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Sweden's export value of electric self-propelled forklift trucks lacked a dominant market. Belgium, Germany, and Italy were the leading partners, contributing 18.3%, 13.5%, and 7.7% of exports in value terms, respectively. Together, they made up 39.4% of total exports, while numerous smaller markets held minor shares, reflecting a broad distribution.

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

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

Imports electric self-propelled fork-lift trucks to Sweden

Imports in kind, unit

Sweden's imports of electric self-propelled forklift trucks in kind showed mixed trends. In 2018, imports reached a high of 7 611 units, but then fell by 17.5% to 6 280 units in 2019. In 2020, imports rebounded by 6.4% to 6 682 units. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 3.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, while the largest increase was in 2018, both at 17.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, Germany, China, and France were the primary sources for Sweden's imports of electric self-propelled forklift trucks in kind. Germany led with 41.8% of imports, followed by China at 16.2% and France at 11.9%. Together, these three countries accounted for 69.9% of total import flows, indicating a concentrated import structure.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Sweden's import value of electric self-propelled forklift trucks declined for the second year in a row. In 2018, imports peaked at 109.6 million US dollars, but then dropped by 9.0% to 99.9 million US dollars in 2019, and further fell by 9.0% to 90.7 million US dollars in 2020. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 9.7%, with an average annual decline of 3.3%. The largest increase was in 2018 at 9.1%, while the largest decline was in 2019 at 9.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Belgium, and France were the key partners for Sweden's imports of electric self-propelled forklift trucks in value terms. Germany dominated with 56.0% of imports, Belgium contributed 16.6%, and France added 9.0%. Collectively, they represented 81.6% of total import flows, highlighting a highly concentrated import market.

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

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