Non-self-propelled fork-lift trucks market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The German market for non-self-propelled fork-lift trucks experienced considerable volatility from 2018 to 2024. After a slight decrease to 181 400 units in 2019, consumption fell sharply to 115 700 units in 2020. A strong rebound followed, with market volume rising to 184 100 units in 2021 and surging to a peak of 270 200 units in 2022. However, demand subsequently contracted to 153 700 units in 2023 and further to 138 500 units in 2024.

EU regulatory changes significantly influenced market dynamics. The implementation of the EN 1755 directive for explosion-protected trucks in 2019 raised product and certification costs for manufacturers. In 2022, the introduction of mandatory electronic type-approval for new vehicles likely facilitated market access, contributing to the sharp increase in imports and total market volume that year. The impending General Safety Regulation, requiring advanced driver-assistance systems from July 2024, alongside updated explosion-protection norms, added compliance complexity and cost pressures, coinciding with the market's decline in 2023 and 2024.

State intervention and industry restructuring also played a role. Government subsidy programs, such as BAFA Module 4 offering grants of up to 60% for replacing old fork-lifts with electric models, aimed to stimulate demand for newer equipment. Furthermore, the announced closure of Jungheinrich's Lüneburg plant in 2024 marked a significant production shift within the domestic industry. The continued influence of state-linked entities like KION Group and Linde Group provided underlying support to the sector throughout the period.

Production non-self-propelled fork-lift trucks in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Germany's production of non-self-propelled forklift trucks declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 11 318 thousand US dollars, which represents a 27.1% decrease compared to 2019. Production peaked in 2018 at 15 770 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 35.5% recorded that same year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 2.8%, translating to an average annual decline of 0.9%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, unit

Germany's production of non-self-propelled forklift trucks declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 9 387 units were produced, marking a significant decrease of 20.8% from the previous year. Production reached its highest point in 2018 at 17 023 units, with the largest annual increase of 17.8% occurring that year. However, the sharpest decline was recorded in 2019, when output dropped by 30.4%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 35%, averaging an annual decline of 13.4%.

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

Exports non-self-propelled fork-lift trucks from Germany

Exports in kind, K unit

Germany's exports of non-self-propelled forklift trucks declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 85.4 thousand units, reflecting a substantial reduction of 11.3% compared to 2019. Exports peaked in 2018 at 100.8 thousand units, with the largest annual increase of 10.5% recorded that year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 6.4%, equating to an average annual decline of 2.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, France, and Poland were the largest buyers of non-self-propelled forklift trucks from Germany, though none dominated the market individually. Austria accounted for 15.8% of exports in kind, while France and Poland each held 9.8%. Together, these three countries represented 35.4% of total exports, with the remainder distributed among numerous smaller 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, K $ US

In 2020, Germany's exports of non-self-propelled forklift trucks in value terms reached 55 917 thousand US dollars, showing a modest increase of 2.8% compared to 2019. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 2.4%, while the peak increase was in 2018 at 4.9%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 5.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%.

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

During 2017–2020, exports in value terms of non-self-propelled forklift trucks from Germany were relatively evenly distributed. Austria was the top destination with 10.4% of exports in value terms, followed by France at 9.2% and Switzerland at 7.7%. Together, these three countries accounted for 27.3% of total export flows, indicating a diverse range of trading partners.

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

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

Imports non-self-propelled fork-lift trucks to Germany

Imports in kind, K unit

Germany's imports of non-self-propelled forklift trucks declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume stood at 191.8 thousand units, indicating a dramatic decrease of 27.9% compared to 2019. Imports peaked in 2018 at 270.7 thousand units, with the largest annual increase of 7.3% recorded that year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 24%, averaging an annual decline of 8.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Malaysia, and Vietnam were the central sources for Germany's imports of non-self-propelled forklift trucks in kind. Together, these three markets accounted for 84.2% of total import flows, highlighting their dominant role in supply.

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, K $ US

Germany's imports of non-self-propelled forklift trucks declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 60 509 thousand US dollars, amounting to a decline of 14.5% compared with 2019. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 76 630 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 10.4% occurring that year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 12.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.5%.

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

Over 2017–2020, China, Malaysia, and Italy were the main sources for Germany's imports of non-self-propelled forklift trucks in value terms. China led with 36.9% of imports in value terms, followed by Malaysia at 21.0% and Italy at 9.7%. Together, these three countries absorbed 67.7% of total imports, making them the primary directions for supply.

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

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