In January 2026, the sales volume of forklifts soared by 51.4%, and the export growth was
particularly impressive.
China's forklift industry achieved a "good start" in the New Year, with a remarkable market
growth trend. According to the latest statistics from the China Construction Machinery Association
on major forklift manufacturing enterprises, the total sales volume of all types of forklifts in the
entire industry increased by 51.4% year-on-year in January. Among them, the domestic market base
rebounded, and the export market growth rate was significant. The product structure also showed
distinct market demand characteristics, laying a good foundation for the industry's development
throughout the year.
Data shows that in January 2026, the total sales volume of forklifts across the country reached
141,743 units, with a year-on-year increase of over 50%. Among them, the domestic market sales
volume was 89,716 units, increasing by 63.3% year-on-year, becoming the core driving force for the
total sales volume.
Industry analysts believe that the relatively low base in the same period last year is a key reason
for the significant year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, the recovery of the domestic market also reflects
the routine demand release for enterprises to stock up and update logistics equipment before the
festival, and signs of market recovery are beginning to emerge. It is worth noting that although AGV
products are included in the statistics separately, the sales volume of 775 units accounts for a relatively
small proportion and has not yet had a significant impact on the overall market pattern. The export
market also performed outstandingly, becoming a major highlight of the forklift industry in January.
In January, the total export volume of forklifts was 52,027 units, representing a year-on-year growth
of 34.4%. Excluding electric walking warehouse vehicles, the export volume of other types of forklifts
reached 19,292 units, with a year-on-year growth rate as high as 46.9%, demonstrating a strong growth
momentum. Industry insiders say that the good performance of the export market is, on the one hand,
attributed to the high cost-performance advantage of Chinese forklift products in the international market,
with their core competitiveness continuously highlighted. On the other hand, it also reflects that the
demand in some overseas markets has picked up recently. However, due to the uncertainty of the global
trade environment, whether the growth rate of exports can be sustained still needs to be continuously
observed in the future.
Overall, in January 2026, the forklift industry achieved double growth in both domestic and foreign
sales, with a stable and positive start. The vigorous performance of the export market has injected new
impetus into the industry's growth. However, the degree of recovery in the domestic market, the continuous
optimization trend of the product structure, and the changes in the overseas trade environment still need
to be further analyzed in combination with the overall data of the first quarter. The industry's development
throughout the year still needs to be steadily advanced.
