Lifts and skip hoists market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The Portuguese lifts and skip hoists market from 2018 was characterized by the presence of both multinational and local players like Schindler, KONE, and GSR Elevadores, focusing on customization, maintenance, and compliance with safety regulations. This foundation supported market activity as digitalization began taking hold around 2020 with the adoption of connected solutions like KONE DX and component upgrades by Schindler to improve efficiency, which helped sustain demand. Market volume then grew to 6 068 units in 2021, coinciding with an increased offer of premium residential lifts complying with European norms and the rising prominence of Levita as a leader in the stair lift segment, reflecting growing consumer preferences for accessibility and comfort.

Market volume stabilized at 6 035 units in 2022 while value saw a correction, a period during which Levita solidified its market leadership in compact accessibility solutions and companies offered more personalized installations. A significant expansion followed in 2023, with the market surging by 15% to 6 952 units, primarily driven by vigorous activity in the construction sector, particularly residential building, which boosted demand for new lift installations. This growth was further supported by continued investments from major companies like Schindler and KONE in technological modernization and sustainability initiatives.

In 2024, the market volume reached 6 971 units, essentially plateauing as industry attention shifted towards upcoming trends in energy efficiency, digitalization, and sustainability, as highlighted by Ascensores do Oeste. Companies such as Orona emphasized sustainable retrofits in public and historical buildings. Looking ahead to 2025, Schindler reported growth in orders and revenue alongside a CEO appointment, maintaining focus on digital cabin solutions and component upgrades, indicating sustained market dynamism aligned with regulatory and technological advancements.

Production lifts and skip hoists in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, the output value of lifts and skip hoists in Portugal was $47,405 thousand USD, showing broad stability compared to 2020.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, unit

Portugal produced 3,761 units of lifts and skip hoists in 2021, marking a gradual increase of 7.6% from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, unit

Exports lifts and skip hoists from Portugal

Exports in kind, unit

Portugal's exports of lifts and skip hoists declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, export volume reached 424 units, reflecting a 9.2% drop compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 7.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.5%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 493 units, which also saw the largest increase of 7.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, unit

From 2018 to 2021, Angola, Spain, and Cyprus were the largest buyers of lifts and skip hoists from Portugal in volume terms, accounting for 26.0%, 19.6%, and 17.6% of exports, respectively. Together, these three countries formed 63.2% of total export volume.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Portugal's export value of lifts and skip hoists fell for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports totaled $7,284 thousand USD, down 2.7% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, export value decreased by 8.4%, equating to an annualized decline of 2.9%. The peak value was $8,551 thousand USD in 2019, which also experienced the largest increase of 7.6%. The sharpest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 12.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During 2018-2021, Angola, Spain, and Cyprus remained the top destinations for Portugal's lifts and skip hoists exports in value terms, with shares of 26.2%, 19.4%, and 17.6%, respectively. Combined, they represented 63.2% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021

Imports lifts and skip hoists to Portugal

Imports in kind, unit

Portugal's imports of lifts and skip hoists increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, import volume totaled 2,731 units, remaining virtually unchanged from 2020. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 2,252 units, which saw the largest decline of 17.4%. The most significant increase occurred in 2020, with a rise of 20.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, unit

From 2018 to 2021, Spain dominated Portugal's imports of lifts and skip hoists in volume terms, absorbing 70.9% of total flows, while numerous minor partners accounted for the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Portugal's import value of lifts and skip hoists rose for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports amounted to $54,763 thousand USD, showing a moderate advance of 8.6% compared to 2020. The minimum value was $41,426 thousand USD in 2019, which experienced the largest decline of 22.8%. The biggest increase was in 2020, with a jump of 21.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Over the 2018-2021 period, Spain consistently accounted for 70.8% of Portugal's total import value for lifts and skip hoists, indicating high market concentration, with other countries sharing the rest.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021