Fork-lift and other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fork-lift and other works trucks in Germany showed relative stability in 2018 and 2019, with the market size reaching 1 869 M $ US in 2019. However, it contracted sharply in 2020 to 1 404 M $ US, a drop of nearly 25%.

A partial recovery followed in 2021 as the market size grew by 11% to 1 565 M $ US. This rebound occurred alongside two significant market developments: electric forklifts had come to dominate global sales with a 55% share, driven by their lower maintenance and zero emissions, while the COVID-19 pandemic continued to cause supply chain disruptions affecting battery production and distribution.

In the subsequent years, the market's evolution was shaped by several strong forces. The demand for lithium-ion battery systems rose in 2022, supported by incentives for cleaner technologies. In 2023, major manufacturers like Toyota and Jungheinrich launched new series of electric forklifts with advanced driver-assistance and battery management systems, coinciding with tighter EU emissions regulations that accelerated electrification. By 2024, new EU rules such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) came into force, directly affecting industry requirements. Simultaneously, Jungheinrich announced the closure of its Lüneburg plant in response to cost pressure, and the share of electric forklifts in Europe surpassed 55%, fueled by the EU's Green Industry Plan and growing e-commerce logistics demand.

Production fork-lift and works trucks in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of forklifts and other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 3 625 million US dollars, marking a 21.4% drop compared to 2019. Production peaked in 2018 at 4 640 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 13.5% also occurring that year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 11.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Germany's production of forklifts and other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 174.9 thousand units were produced, representing a significant decline of 20.4% from 2019. Production reached its highest point in 2018 at 226.5 thousand units, with the largest annual increase of 6.5% recorded that same year. From 2017 to 2020, total production decreased by 17.7%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of -6.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K unit

Exports fork-lift and works trucks from Germany

Exports in kind, K unit

Germany's export volume of forklifts and other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment declined after two years of growth. In 2020, exports stood at 261.3 thousand units, down 12.9% from the previous year. Exports peaked in 2019 at 299.9 thousand units, with the largest annual increase of 8.5% occurring in 2018. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 4.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.5%.

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

An analysis of export volumes from 2017 to 2020 reveals a diverse distribution across multiple markets. France accounted for 12.3% of exports, Italy for 11.2%, and Poland for 7.8%, together making up 31.4% of total flows. The remaining 68.6% was distributed among other trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Germany's export value of forklifts and other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 3 162 million US dollars, a decrease of 16.7% from the previous year. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at 3 819 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 10.6% also in 2018. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 8.5%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of -2.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany exported forklifts and other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment to numerous countries. Even the top three destinations—France, Italy, and the United Kingdom—combined accounted for only 34.3% of total export value.

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

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

Imports fork-lift and works trucks to Germany

Imports in kind, K unit

Germany's import volume of forklifts and other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment declined after two years of growth. In 2020, imports amounted to 281.7 thousand units, a 23.5% drop compared to 2019. Imports reached their highest level in 2019 at 368.4 thousand units, with the largest annual increase of 9.5% recorded in 2018. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 15.7%, equating to an average annual decline of 5.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China was the leading supplier of forklifts and other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment to Germany, accounting for 36.1% of import volume. Malaysia followed with 25.0%, and Italy with 10.8%. Together, these three countries comprised 71.9% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Germany's import value of forklifts and other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment declined after two years of increase. In 2020, imports were valued at 941 million US dollars, reflecting a 10.7% decrease from the previous year. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 1 053 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 11.6% occurring in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports of forklifts and other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment to Germany were spread across many countries in value terms. Italy accounted for 19.7% of imports, France for 16.0%, and Sweden for 13.1%. Together, these three countries represented 48.7% of total import flows.

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

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