Global Forklift Market Surges in Early 2026 with Record January Sales

The global forklift market has kicked off 2026 with remarkable momentum, driven by a surge in both manufacturing activity and logistics demand.

According to data from the China Construction Machinery Association, January 2026 saw total forklift sales reach an impressive 141,700 units, marking a substantial 51.4% year-on-year increase .

This growth was powered by a robust domestic market recovery, with internal sales skyrocketing by 63.3%, while international markets also showed strong appetite, with overseas shipments rising by 34.4% .

Industry analysts suggest that this “smashing start” is fueled by a global restocking cycle and sustained investment in warehouse automation, signaling a period of robust health for the material handling industry throughout the coming year .