제조, 물류, 창고 및 기타 산업에서 자재관리 장비에 대한 수요가 증가함에 따라 효율적인 지게차의 필요성이 증가하고 있습니다. 지게차 수요는 2024년 806억 3,000만 달러를 돌파하고 2032년에는 1,465억 달러에 달할 것으로 예측됩니다.
또한, 창고 및 물류 센터의 자동화에 대한 관심이 높아짐에 따라 센서 및 AI 기술이 탑재된 첨단 지게차의 사용이 증가하고 있습니다. 이러한 요인으로 인해 다양한 산업에서 지게차 사용이 증가하고 있으며, 2026-2032년 7.75%의 연평균 복합 성장률(CAGR)을 보일 것으로 예측됩니다.
지게차 시장 정의/개요
지게차는 자재를 들어 올리고, 이동시키고, 단거리 운송을 위해 사용되는 동력 산업 차량입니다. 이 트럭은 창고업, 제조업, 건설업, 물류업 등의 산업에서 필수적이며, 창고나 물류센터에서 상품의 상하차, 적재 등의 작업을 수행합니다. 지게차는 전기식, 디젤식, 가스식 등 다양한 유형이 있으며, 각기 다른 운전 환경에 적합합니다. 지게차의 미래는 자율주행 지게차, 효율성 향상을 위한 인공지능(AI) 통합 등 자동화 증가와 함께 진화할 예정입니다.
전동 지게차로의 전환이 증가함에 따라 지게차 시장이 크게 성장하고 있습니다. 전동 지게차는 낮은 운영 비용, 배출가스 감소, 조용한 작동으로 인해 실내 및 환경에 민감한 환경에 이상적입니다. 산업계가 지속가능성을 중시함에 따라 전기 모델에 대한 수요가 급증하고 있습니다. 미국 에너지부의 보고서에 따르면, 세계 전동 지게차 시장은 친환경 솔루션에 대한 강력한 움직임을 반영하여 향후 5년 동안 매년 7% 성장할 것으로 예측됩니다.
또한, 정부의 배출가스 규제 강화로 인해 기업들은 전동 지게차 채택을 더욱 촉진하고 있습니다. 유럽연합(EU)의 2020년 배출 규제는 탄소 배출량을 크게 줄여야 하는 의무를 부과하고 있으며, 기업들이 전기 대체품에 투자하도록 유도하고 있습니다. 특히 미국에서는 전자상거래의 성장과 창고 확장으로 전동 지게차 판매가 더욱 증가하고 있으며, 미국 시장에서만 2020-2023년 사이에 전동 지게차 구매가 35% 증가할 것으로 예측됩니다. 이러한 보급 증가는 앞으로도 계속될 것이며, 시장 확대에 더욱 박차를 가할 것으로 보입니다.
지게차, 특히 고급 전기 및 자동화 모델을 도입하는 데 드는 높은 초기 비용은 시장 성장을 저해할 수 있는 중요한 요소입니다. 전기 지게차는 장기적인 비용 절감과 환경적 이점을 제공하는 반면, 디젤 또는 가스 구동 대안에 비해 일반적으로 초기 비용이 더 높습니다. 구매 가격은 전문적인 충전 인프라 및 잠재적인 창고 개조 필요성과 함께 중소기업(SME)의 재정적 장벽이 될 수 있습니다. 이 때문에 특히 비용에 민감한 산업이나 자금 조달에 대한 접근성이 제한적인 지역에서는 도입이 지연될 수 있습니다.
또한, 차량 관리를 위한 센서 및 AI와 같은 자동화 및 스마트 기술을 지게차에 도입하면 초기 자본 지출이 더욱 늘어날 수 있습니다. 이러한 첨단 솔루션으로의 전환을 고려하고 있는 기업들은 장비 업그레이드와 새로운 기술을 운영하기 위한 직원 교육에 드는 높은 비용으로 인해 운영상의 어려움을 겪을 수 있습니다.
The rising demand for material handling equipment across industries like manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing is driving the need for efficient forklifts. The need for forklift truck is surpassing USD 80.63 Billion in 2024 and reaching USD 146.5 Billion by 2032.
Additionally, the growing focus on automation in warehouses and distribution centers is encouraging the use of advanced forklifts equipped with sensors and AI technology. These factors contribute to the increasing use of forklift truck in a variety of industries is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.75% about from 2026 to 2032.
Forklift Truck Market: Definition/ Overview
A forklift truck is a powered industrial vehicle used for lifting, moving, and transporting materials over short distances. These trucks are essential in industries like warehousing, manufacturing, construction, and logistics, where they handle tasks, such as loading, unloading, and stacking goods in storage or distribution centers. Forklifts come in various types, including electric, diesel, and gas-powered models, each suited to different operational environments. The future of forklift trucks is set to evolve with increasing automation, such as self-driving forklifts and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) for improved efficiency.
The growing shift towards electric-powered forklifts is significantly driving the forklift truck market. Electric forklifts are favored for their lower operational costs, reduced emissions, and quieter operation, making them ideal for indoor and environmentally sensitive environments. As industries focus more on sustainability, the demand for electric models has surged. According to a report by the U.S. Department of Energy, the global electric forklift market is expected to grow by 7% annually over the next five years, reflecting a strong move toward eco-friendly solutions.
Moreover, stricter government regulations on emissions are pushing companies to adopt electric-powered forklifts. The European Union's 2020 emission regulations require substantial reductions in carbon output, encouraging businesses to invest in electric alternatives. The growth of e-commerce and the expansion of warehouses, especially in the U.S., have further boosted electric forklift sales, with the U.S. market alone seeing a 35% increase in electric forklift purchases between 2020 and 2023. This rising adoption is set to continue, fueling further market expansion.
The high initial cost of implementing forklift trucks, especially advanced electric and automated models, is a significant factor that could hinder the market's growth. Electric forklifts, while offering long-term cost savings and environmental benefits, typically have higher upfront costs compared to diesel or gas-powered alternatives. The purchase price, along with the need for specialized charging infrastructure and potential retrofitting of warehouses, creates financial barriers for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This can slow down adoption, particularly in cost-sensitive industries or regions with limited access to financing.
Additionally, the introduction of automation and smart technologies in forklifts, such as sensors and AI for fleet management, further increases initial capital expenditure. For companies looking to transition to these advanced solutions, the high cost of upgrading equipment and training staff to operate new technologies adds to operational challenges.
The widespread usage of counterbalance forklifts is significantly boosting the forklift truck market. These forklifts are highly versatile and can handle various loads in different environments, making them a preferred choice across multiple industries, including manufacturing, construction, and retail. Their ability to lift and transport heavy materials without the need for additional attachments enhances operational efficiency, leading to increased productivity. As businesses continue to optimize their material handling processes to meet growing demand, the reliance on counterbalance forklifts will likely increase, driving market growth.
Moreover, advancements in counterbalance forklift technology, such as improved safety features, enhanced ergonomics, and electric-powered options, are making these machines more appealing to businesses. With increasing emphasis on sustainability and reducing carbon footprints, the transition towards electric counterbalance forklifts is expected to further expand their adoption.
The Warehouse Forklift segment is the fastest-growing, driven by the rapid expansion of e-commerce, which has led to increased demand for efficient material handling solutions in warehouses and distribution centers.
Heavy-duty operations utilizing internal combustion (IC) engine forklifts are significantly fueling the forklift truck market. IC engine forklifts are renowned for their ability to handle substantial loads and perform efficiently in demanding environments, such as construction sites, lumber yards, and large warehouses. These forklifts offer high power and durability, making them ideal for outdoor applications where electric models may face limitations due to battery life and charging infrastructure.
As industries continue to rely on heavy lifting and material handling, the demand for IC engine forklifts remains strong, contributing to sustained growth in this segment of the market. Moreover, the expansion of industries such as manufacturing and logistics, which often require heavy-duty lifting capabilities, is further driving the adoption of IC engine forklifts.
The Electric Power segment is the fastest-growing, driven by increasing environmental regulations, rising fuel costs, and the demand for sustainable operations.
The advanced technological infrastructure in North America is a significant driver of the expansion of the forklift truck market. The region's focus on automation, robotics, and smart technologies has led to increased efficiency in material handling operations, promoting the adoption of modern forklift solutions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the logistics sector is projected to grow by 4.3% annually through 2026, further emphasizing the need for efficient material handling equipment.
Additionally, the investment in technological advancements, such as telematics and real-time tracking systems, is reshaping how forklift operations are managed. The North American forklift truck market is expected to reach approximately $25 billion by 2025, driven by the need for efficient inventory management and streamlined operations. As companies in sectors like e-commerce and manufacturing prioritize automation to meet growing demand, the reliance on technologically advanced forklift trucks will continue to rise, supporting sustained market expansion in the region.
The increasing adoption of digital technologies in the Asia Pacific region is expected to significantly propel the forklift truck market. As countries in this region, such as China and India, continue to industrialize and expand their manufacturing capabilities, the demand for efficient material handling solutions, including forklifts, is rising. According to a report by the International Data Corporation (IDC), the Asia Pacific region's spending on digital transformation is projected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2025, underscoring the rapid adoption of these technologies.
Moreover, the shift toward smart manufacturing and e-commerce is further driving the demand for advanced forklift solutions equipped with digital capabilities. As logistics and warehousing operations seek to enhance productivity and reduce costs, the reliance on digitally enabled forklifts is increasing. The forklift truck market in Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% from 2021 to 2026, reflecting the region's commitment to modernization and efficiency in material handling. This trend indicates a robust market potential as businesses embrace digital solutions to stay competitive in an evolving landscape.
The competitive landscape of the forklift truck market is characterized by a mix of established players and emerging startups, each focusing on innovative features such as real-time tracking, integration with IoT devices, and user-friendly interfaces. Companies are increasingly investing in research and development to enhance product offerings and improve customer service, creating a dynamic and rapidly evolving market environment.
Some of the prominent players operating in the forklift truck market include:
KION Group, Toyota Industrial Corporation, Mitsubishi Nichiyu Forklift Co., Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Crown Equipment Corporation, Komatsu Ltd., Hangzhou Heli Co., Anhui Heli Co.
In August 2024 Toyota Material Handling announced the launch of its latest series of electric forklifts designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce operational costs.
In July 2024 Hyster-Yale Materials Handling revealed an expansion of its electric forklift lineup with the introduction of several new models aimed at enhancing productivity in warehouses and distribution centers.
In June 2024 Linde Material Handling launched its latest autonomous forklift solutions designed for high-traffic warehouse environments. These autonomous trucks utilize advanced sensors and artificial intelligence to navigate safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of accidents and improving operational efficiency.