Not electric self-propelled fork-lift trucks market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The market for non-electric self-propelled fork-lift trucks in Germany is shaped by the presence of three of the world's top five manufacturers, including KION Group and Jungheinrich. From 2018 to 2023, market volume experienced significant swings, starting at 11.5 thousand units in 2018, rising to 12.9 thousand units in 2019, then dropping sharply to 8.0 thousand units in 2020 amid broader economic disruptions.

Recovery began in 2021, reaching 9.6 thousand units, and accelerated in 2022 to 12.3 thousand units. This surge was directly driven by the boom in e-commerce, warehouse expansion, and logistics infrastructure development, which increased demand for material handling equipment. The growth in online retail and storage capacity created a need for more fork-lift trucks, including non-electric models.

In 2023, market volume slightly declined to 11.6 thousand units, while the industry focused on innovation. The European Union's Green Industry Plan promoted the shift to emission-free logistics, boosting interest in advanced technologies. Simultaneously, major players like KION and Jungheinrich pushed forward with autonomous fork-lift truck projects, such as the IMOCO research initiative, aiming to enhance efficiency and safety. For 2024, factors point to renewed market growth, supported by regulatory incentives for sustainable solutions and the ongoing rollout of lithium-ion and autonomous models.

Production not electric self-propelled fork-lift trucks in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of non-electric self-propelled forklift trucks declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 753 million US dollars, down 31.2% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 23.7%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 8.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 1,103 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 11.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, unit

After two years of growth, Germany's production of non-electric self-propelled forklift trucks declined. In 2020, 17,754 units were produced, marking a sharp reduction of 31.7% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 29.9%, equating to an annualized decline of 11.2%. The highest output was recorded in 2019 at 26,000 units, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 2.1%.

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

Exports not electric self-propelled fork-lift trucks from Germany

Exports in kind, unit

Germany exported 23,189 units of non-electric self-propelled forklift trucks in 2020, indicating a solid decrease of 20.1% from the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, exports fell by 20.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -7.3%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 1.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of non-electric self-propelled forklift trucks were distributed across numerous markets. France accounted for 12.6% of exports, Poland for 11.6%, and the United Kingdom for 9.5%, with these three countries together representing only 33.6% of total flows.

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

After two years of gains, Germany's export volume of non-electric self-propelled forklift trucks declined. In 2020, exports reached 652.9 million US dollars, showing a sharp decline of 25.3% compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, exports decreased by 21.9%, with a CAGR of -7.9%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 874.1 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 3.4%.

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

During 2017-2020, Germany's exports of non-electric self-propelled forklift trucks in value terms were spread relatively evenly. France accounted for 16.2% of exports, the United Kingdom for 11.5%, and Italy for 7.9%, with these three countries together representing only 35.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports not electric self-propelled fork-lift trucks to Germany

Imports in kind, unit

After two years of growth, Germany's imports of non-electric self-propelled forklift trucks declined. In 2020, import volume totaled 13,425 units, representing a notable decrease of 15.4% from the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 5.5%, with a CAGR of 1.8%. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 15,862 units, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 12.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for Germany's imports of non-electric self-propelled forklift trucks was balanced rather than concentrated. The United Kingdom accounted for 21.1% of imports, France for 14.2%, and China for 11.0%, with these three countries together representing 46.3% of total flows, while many other countries accounted for the remaining 53.7%.

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

After two years of improvement, Germany's imports of non-electric self-propelled forklift trucks from abroad declined. In 2020, imports stood at 405.2 million US dollars, which is 14.1% less compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 7.9%, with a CAGR of 2.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 471.9 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 18.5%.

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

Over 2017-2020, Germany's imports of non-electric self-propelled forklift trucks in value terms were not heavily concentrated. The United Kingdom accounted for 16.6% of imports, France for 15.3%, and Italy for 13.3%, with these three countries together capturing only 45.2% of total flows.

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

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