4th Straight Year Of Record-Setting Forklift Sales

Forklift sales in the North American market continue their unprecedented rise, with 2018 marking the fourth consecutive year of historic growth, reports the Industrial Truck Association (ITA). More than a quarter-million units were sold, marking a 2.8% increase over 2017. “All five truck classes exhibited growth in 2018, representing diverse demand across production lines,” said Scott Johnson, chairman of the ITA board of directors and vice president of marketing and sales at Clark Material Handling Co. (Lexington, Ky.).

Year-end forklift sales of 260,180 units included electric rider trucks, Class 1 and Class 2 combined; motorized hand trucks, Class 3; and internal combustion- powered trucks, Class 4 and Class 5 combined. Electric and internal combustion truck sales grew at similar rates, showing annual increases of 2.8% and 2.7%, respectively. Overall, electric products accounted for about 64% of last year’s market. “Industrial truck sales continue to play an integral role in keeping the U.S. economy moving,” said Johnson. “The market contributes more than $25 billion annually to U.S. GDP, and for every direct job in the industry, an additional 2.5 jobs are supported elsewhere in the economy.”

Canada and Mexico remain the two largest export countries for U.S. forklift manufacturers. “Passage of the United States Mexico Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) will play a critical role in maintaining the health of our industry,” said Brian Feehan, ITA president. “A successful conclusion to USMCA will provide the long-term policy framework manufacturers and consumers need to ensure the North American market remains one of the strongest in our industry.” USMCA is formerly known as NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement.