Global Cargo Handling Equipment Market Size Likely to Surpass at a CAGR of 4.8% By 2034

Market Size and Growth

As per the Cargo Handling Equipment Market size analysis conducted by the CMI Team, the global Cargo handling equipment market is expected to record a CAGR of 4.8% from 2025 to 2034. In 2025, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 29.14 Billion. By 2034, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 50.21 Billion.

Overview

As per the industry experts at CMI, the rising cargo handling equipment market is mainly attributable to expansion in international trade, advances in automation, robotics and related fields, increasing demand for green, eco-friendly and energy-efficient solutions, the growth in e-commerce and digital supply chains and significant investment in modernization of port infrastructure, which is promoting more effective operational efficiency, cost reduction, and safety for logistics and warehousing operations around the world.

Key Trends & Drivers

• World Trade Growth: The continuing development of international trade has a considerable impact on the growth in demand for efficient cargo handling equipment. As the volume of goods being shipped globally increases, there is greater demand for greater capacities of advanced equipment, whether it be for bulk cargo operations or logistics. For example, in containerised cargo shipping, ports, warehouses, and freight terminals are now upgrading infrastructure to meet demand growth so that the capacity size for cargo handling equipment is even greater!

• Technological Development and Robotic Handling: Automation is a critical component of the growth of the cargo handling equipment market. The incorporation of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), AI systems, and robotic handling equipment is playing a role in improving cargo handling processes. In addition, automation means reduced labour costs, improved efficiency, and fewer mistakes, which leads to faster handling and ultimately safer cargo handling. The companies that are putting fixed robotic systems in cargo terminals and warehouses are getting more throughput and showing better operational efficiency, as measured in time saved in processes per hour and cost efficiency compared to labour.

• Sustainability and Green Technologies: The current trends toward sustainability, as well as environmental concerns and increasingly stringent emissions regulations have led to a rise in demand for electric and hybrid-powered cargo handling equipment. Green technologies are designed to minimise carbon emissions, reduce energy consumption, and comply with environmentally driven regulations. The pressure from governments and organisations to implement ‘greener’ technologies will push manufacturers of cargo handling equipment toward designing, manufacturing, and marketing equipment that is energy efficient and low-emission. These factors will lead to greater growth in the market in regions with stringent environmental laws.

• Capital Investment Requirements: One of the biggest challenges in the cargo handling equipment market is the high capital investment required for advanced equipment. The level of capital expenditure required to upgrade operations with modern equipment may prohibit small to medium-sized businesses from taking advantage of it. Even though the capital required for implementing automation and sustainability initiatives will provide long-term operational cost savings, the sticker price for electric, hybrid, and automated cargo handling systems is still great enough to set back adoption of modern equipment, particularly in price-sensitive markets.

• Labour Shortages and Skill Gaps: As the cargo handling market rapidly becomes increasingly dependent on technology, the need for skilled labour in the use of high technology quickly increases as well. Unfortunately, many industries are beginning to see a shortage of skilled workers who can operate and maintain automated cranes, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), AI-driven systems, and other high-tech equipment. The labour skill shortages that are developing around the globe contribute to a slower adoption of automation, only to create inefficiencies in some sectors, all of which limit the growth of the cargo handling market in specific regions.

• Regulatory Pressure and Environmental Compliance: As a result of sustainability becoming a hot topic for many STEM-based markets, companies in the cargo handling equipment market are gradually confronting a slew of regulations around local, regional, or global environmental standards. With governmental bodies around the globe putting in place legislation that forces companies to comply with regulations that require a company to comply with the use of low-emission or electric-powered equipment, such regulations are further pushing the cargo handling equipment market toward cleaner technologies for compliance. While these governmental compliance regulations are positive for the environment, however, they place additional financial stress on the managing team of cargo handling companies, and the fact that they must engage in continuous innovative processes just to comply with regulatory changes.

Report Scope

SWOT Analysis

• Strengths: Cargo handling equipment is in a favourable market position due to high demand supported by rising global trade and e-commerce. Realised improvements in, or utilisation of, technology, such as automation and robotics, have a cumulative impact on efficiencies, lower labour input costs, and improved safety in operations and handling. There has been an increased adoption of and accountability for environmentally sustainable “green” technologies by a high number of shippers, carriers, end-user consumers, and manufacturers; it appears manufacturers show alignment on sustainable environmental expectations in line with regulatory requirements. The continuous investments in port and logistics transfer facilities are also favourable for the market structure, as the investments reinforce a steady demand for new and advanced cargo handling equipment.

• Weaknesses: The high start-up cost of advanced equipment, including automated systems and electric-powered equipment, reduces uptake, especially in cost-sensitive areas. Additionally, there is a lack of skilled labour to operate and maintain high-tech systems, reducing the broader deployment of automation. The skill gap, coupled with the advanced technological nature of equipment, limits operational efficiency.

• Opportunities: There are opportunities for growth in emerging markets, where modernisation of infrastructure accompanies increased levels of global trade and e-commerce. Sustainability is an increasingly important criterion for developing and deploying electric and hybrid-powered cargo handling equipment. Automation of ports and warehouses is a growing trend and offers opportunities for advanced technology innovation in logistics that provides a competitive advantage to companies investing in smart logistics, many of whom are beginning to design their logistics solutions to meet the smart logistics challenges of the future.

• Threats: The costs of raw materials are increasing, resulting in a threat to profitability and increased cost of production for equipment manufacturers. Geopolitical tensions and tariff implications can also affect supply chains, introducing price volatility among competitors. Increased competition from local manufacturers in emerging markets can also apply downward pressure on global players in these markets, diluting their value proposition and market share. Environmental regulations may also incur compliance costs for companies that are less flexible in adjusting to new standards.

Leading Players:

• Konecranes
• Cargotec Corporation
• Hyster-Yale Materials Handling Inc.
• Toyota Industries Corporation
• Mitsubishi Logisnext Co. Ltd.
• Linde Material Handling GmbH
• Doosan Corporation
• Komatsu Ltd.
• Caterpillar Inc.
• Jungheinrich AG
• Manitou Group
• Terex Corporation
• PALFINGER AG
• XCMG Construction Machinery Co. Ltd.
• SANY Group
• Clark Material Handling Company
• Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd.
• Yale Materials Handling Corporation
• Wirtgen Group
• Mammoet
• Others

The Cargo Handling Equipment Market is segmented as follows:

By Equipment Type

• Cranes
• Forklifts
• Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
• Tractors
• Trailers

By Application

• Ports
• Warehouses
• Airports
• Other Applications

Regional Coverage:

North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America

Europe

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Russia
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• Kuwait
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America