Global Cargo Handling Equipment Market 2025 – 2034

Reports Description

As per the Cargo Handling Equipment Market 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

The cargo handling equipment market is being fuelled by the increase in global trade, the development of automation, and the demand for sustainability in logistics. The increased cargo handling equipment market base is attributed to the need for faster, less expensive, and more sustainable ways of handling an increased volume of goods moving across the globe. The automation of processes, particularly in ports and warehouses, is a significant factor in the growth of the cargo handling equipment market. An electric and hybrid-powered shift in equipment is also presenting growth opportunities, as companies look to comply with the requirements of emission regulations and minimise operating costs.

The largest share of the equipment market is cranes used for heavy cargo in ports; other integral machinery includes forklifts and AGVs utilised in warehouses and logistics. The fastest-growing region is Asia-Pacific. The growth is a result of complementary growth in trade in the major cargo handling countries of China and India. North America is the region with the highest uptake of automated technology. Europe appears to be focused on sustainability trends, investing heavily in green technologies for cargo handling. The integration of trends provides evidence of a vibrant and dynamic evolution of the cargo handling equipment market. The future of growth within this industry area is exciting, all being shaped by automation and sustainability.

Key Trends & Drivers                                                                                                  

The Cargo handling equipment market Trends present significant growth opportunities due to several factors:

• Increased International Trade: The continuous upsurge of international trade caused by globalisation has opened new possibilities for growth in the cargo handling equipment market. As countries experience higher volumes of imports and exports, there is a rising demand for new and innovative cargo-handling equipment. Ports and logistics facilities require more sophisticated equipment to manage large cargo flow, which is prompting an influx of investment in modernised cargo handling technology, such as cranes and automated handling equipment like forklifts and automated cargo handling systems etc. Expansion is also incentivised through trade agreements, regional partnerships, and the development of new trade routes, which is also driving overall market demand.

• Development of New Technology and Automation: The development of new technology, and particularly automation, is facilitating growth in the cargo handling equipment market. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robotics, and AI-driven solutions are playing an increasingly large role in warehouse management and port operations to promote efficiency and minimise human labour costs. Using automated systems can manage operational speed and accuracy while simultaneously reducing errors and operational downtime, and improving overall safety. To push this initiative further, the market demand for automation technology and modern cargo handling equipment will continue to grow as industries demand smarter and more efficient options to increase productivity.

• Environmental Sustainability and Green Technologies: Emerging environmental concerns and increasing regulatory pressure are creating an innovative environment for developing sustainable cargo handling solutions. Reducing carbon footprints is becoming increasingly important and drives demand for energy-efficient and electric and hybrid-powered cargo handling equipment. Companies are becoming increasingly cognizant of energy-efficient products to follow environmental standards and work towards sustainable goals. Electric-powered forklifts, cranes, and automated systems are expected to continue expanding along the company’s sustainability journey, and hence, the growth of the market will be determined by supply. While access to green technologies gives some operational advantages, it also makes companies that promote products with sustainable supply chains more competitive.

• E-Commerce Growth and Warehousing: The rapid growth of e-commerce and online retail is having a profound impact on the cargo handling equipment market. As e-commerce companies scale up to meet increased consumer demand, there is a growing need for equipment in warehouses and distribution centres. Automated systems such as robotic sorting, conveyors, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are now commonplace for optimising inventory management and order fulfilment. This trend increases demand for the most modern and current cargo handling equipment, and as e-commerce proliferates around the world and creates a demand for faster, more efficient logistics, it will sustain growth in the cargo handling equipment market.

• Infrastructure Growth and Attention to Port Modernisation: Ongoing infrastructure growth and port modernisation will be great contributors to the growth in the cargo handling equipment market. More and more countries are investing in the expansion and improvements of port infrastructure capable of sustaining larger vessels and increasing cargo throughput. Furthermore, countries are introducing modern cargo handling equipment such as cranes, stackers, and automated systems to improve cargo handling operations. With expanding cargo volume, both on the containerised and bulk shipments, and greater demands for faster turnaround times, port modernisation will require modern lift trucks, cargo handling equipment, and increased productivity through the introduction of automation techniques.

Significant Threats

The Cargo handling equipment market faces several significant threats that could impact its growth and profitability in the future. Some of these threats include:

• Increasing Raw Material Prices: Increasing raw material prices, specifically steel and copper, pose a major risk to the cargo handling equipment industry. Manufacturers use raw materials to produce operational equipment. An increase in costs will drive up producers’ production costs and ultimately the price of any other equipment. This could result in a reduction of demand, particularly from cost-sensitive regions and sectors. Companies also risk reduced profits when attempting to remain competitive with pricing, particularly with pressures to adopt green technologies and adhere to environmental regulations.

• Lack of Skilled Labour: The increasing complexity of cargo handling equipment, specifically automated systems, is increasing the skilled labour required to operate. However, there is a lack of qualified labour with technical abilities to operate such advanced systems. The gap in qualified labour could help slow down the adoption of automation, which could simultaneously lower operational transport efficiency, especially in regions with less access to training, which limits market growth.

Opportunities

• Growth of Green Technologies: In the acquisition of electric and hybrid types of cargo handling equipment, there is a significant opportunity. With the trend of stricter environmental regulations, there is an increasing transition to energy-efficient and low-emission solutions. Businesses investing in electric lifts, automated vehicles, and green cranes have a leg up regarding sustainability as this trend continues to evolve. This enhanced capability regarding greener technologies will lead to growth, especially in eco-oriented markets and markets with larger governmental regimes toward greener environmental standards.

• Automation and robotics integration: The growing desire for automation presents an opportunity for growth in the market. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), robotics, and AI based handling solutions are changing the way cargo handling occurs, especially in port, warehouse, and distribution operations, and it appears that the trend will continue as organizations seek improved operational efficiency, reduced labour costs, and an effect on reducing human error during processes. Companies that adopt these types of changes early are going to acquire more than their competitors and ensure that they gain a larger share of the market.

Category Wise Insights

By Equipment Type

• Cranes: Cranes represent a sizable portion of the cargo handling equipment category, as cranes play a unique role in lifting heavy loads and are indispensable for unloading containers at ports and terminals. Cranes can be used in container handling and bulk cargo handling because of their versatility in lifting capacity and environment. As global trade increases and the containerization of shipments increases, there is considerable demand for large lifting cranes such as ship-to-shore cranes and gantry cranes. Fuel efficiency and crane efficiency are becoming popular attributes of cranes with the advent of hybrid cranes and electric-powered cranes, which are in demand as many ports and terminals seek to become more fuel-efficient. Automated cranes are gradually being used in order for ports and terminals to maximise throughput while reducing the cost of human labour, which keeps cranes as one of the leading segments of the market.

• Forklifts: Forklifts are easily among the most versatile material handling equipment types presently used in any industry, from warehouses to ports and terminals. Forklifts are a key step between unloading and loading cargo in both manual and automated containerization processes. The introduction into the market of electric-powered forklifts has many proponents as demand for environmentally friendly products increases. The technological advances in telematics and IoT have enabled customers to better monitor their fleet in both equipment tracking and data tracking for real-time observations. Electric and automated forklifts have been popularised by operations that require the greatest amount of manoeuvrability, whether by using electric forks or automation, they have proven to be the most efficient, with low maintenance, and are inherently energy-efficient and consequently have a smaller effect on the environmental assessment.

• Automated guided vehicles (AGVs): AGVs are becoming widely accepted in warehouses, distribution centres, and ports based on their ability to pursue automated material handling and the reduction of human capital. They use sensors and AI for navigation and management and improve operational efficiency while increasing accuracy and reducing delays. AGVs are increasingly being used in automated warehouse management systems to transport goods from storage to packaging locations. AGVs improve throughput, reduce operational costs, and increase safety by reducing the risk of human errors and accidents. With the growing focus on automation and smart technology, the global market for AGVs within industries, such as port logistics, is growing rapidly.

• Tractors and trailers: Tractors and trailers are important for transporting goods around mass facilities such as ports, warehouses, and distribution centres. They serve an essential role in the intermodal transport of high volumes of cargo from one area to another. Trade volumes around the world have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and demand is growing for efficient transportation systems within these mass facility systems. As previous segments find new forms of automation, increased acceptance of electric and/or hybrid tractors has achieved momentum around environmental concerns and limitations on emissions due to compliance with emissions standards. Automated tractor systems are also adding a level of organisational efficiency to our activities and will rely less on human drivers, fostering a substantial level of innovation in this segment.

By Application

• Ports: Ports are a major application area for cargo handling equipment, where the efficient and speedy handling of large amounts of goods being loaded and unloaded is of utmost importance. Equipment, including cranes, forklifts, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), is essential for port operations to handle container activity, facilitate bulk cargo transitions, and generally help with logistics. Ports are also heavily embracing automation, given the continued expansion of global trade and improving the productivity of port operations, whether with automated cranes, AGVs, or other robotic systems and machines, which can also assist in dramatically reducing overall ship turnaround times. Additionally, to limit associated carbon emissions, ports are shifting towards utilising more electric-powered equipment to embrace more sustainable approaches to cargo handling. Improving existing port infrastructure with advanced cargo handling approaches is an important goal to improve shipping efficiency in the global shipping industry.

• Warehouses: Warehouses require different types of cargo handling equipment in order to keep track of the inventory that they have and to handle their packing and distribution operations. For material handling, they employ forklifts, AGVs, and conveyors in order to improve and optimise their storage and retrieval systems as well as increase throughput. With the pervasiveness of e-commerce impacting efficiency, companies are under pressure to make investing in automation and robotics for warehouses a priority to keep up with the growing customer desire for quick, accurate, and timely order deliveries. The added utilisation of IoT and AI technologies may be useful for improving the warehouse’s operational capabilities so managers can focus on more current areas of expectancy and demands for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance and the management of equipment. Also, with sustainability becoming a larger point of consideration, more companies are looking to engage electric forklift options.

• Airports: Airports utilise cargo handling equipment to facilitate the flow of airfreight, from baggage handling to transferring cargo from the airport to the cargo warehouse to customs areas for clearance. Specialised equipment is generally used, including airport tugs, belt loaders, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). As the volume of air cargo grows due to global trade and e-commerce, airports are beginning to modernise their cargo handling technology by using fully automated and/or advanced technologies. New technology includes robotic baggage handling, automated cargo tracking, and smart logistics, which will improve operational efficiency, lower turnaround times, and enhance safety. Due to the projected air cargo increases along with new carbon emissions reduction regulations, airports are also demanding more electric-powered equipment.

• Other Applications: This category includes many other sectors in which cargo handling equipment is key, such as logistics hubs, manufacturing facilities, and freight terminals. In these applications, forklifts, cranes, and AGVs are employed to move materials, load goods, and manage inventories. Due to some recent advancements in automation, industries are adopting automation solutions and equipment to improve efficiency, reduce labour costs, and improve safety. As industries improve their supply chain efficiency and lower all costs, the demand for such equipment will rise. Finally, in supporting the specific material handling needs of agriculture, pharmaceuticals, construction, and more, there appears to be significant cargo handling equipment growth, and the cargo handling market may expand.

Impact of Recent Tariff Policies

The recent tariffs, especially by the U.S. on Chinese imports, have had a meaningful impact on the cargo handling equipment market. In 2025, the U.S. had a 145% tariff on Chinese products, including vital components for cranes and containers. U.S. imports dropped sharply, and some shipping freight volumes for ports declined by 35%. A couple of other developments temporarily lessened the tariffs and decreased the rate to 30%. As a result of this development, it caused a huge uptick in demand, as organisations rushed to import goods before the reduction ended, with, in some cases, shipping rates rising 85% due to higher demand and limited supply.

In spite of permanent tariffs and might have been an overall increase, demands for cargo handling equipment in the city may also have seen an uptick however, costs increased for some sectors. And while there have been some benefits from reshoring for some U.S. companies, overall, the market impact is limited due to the uncertainty impacting investment sentiment and commitment to investing in the cargo handling sector’s long-term growth potential. Furthermore, the most extreme tariffs on Chinese-made equipment are upwards of 270%, and the feasibility of manufacturing domestically is still uncertain due to the limited capacity.

Report Scope

Regional Analysis

The Cargo handling equipment market is segmented into various regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. Here is a brief overview of each region:

• North America: In North America, the frontrunners for automation and green technologies are Canada and the U.S. In the area of port infrastructure, many prominent ports went through major upgrades, with ports like Los Angeles and New York implementing new cargo handling systems, such as automated cranes and AGVs, to increase throughput and lower labour costs on a regional scale. Strong environmental regulations play the sustaining force toward sustainability, led by the availability of electric and hybrid cargo handling equipment. The rise of e-commerce and digitisation in supply chain winds up posing a challenge for Efficient and automated material handling solutions, thus contributing to the constant growth of the market within the region.

• Europe: Europe intends to build upon sustainability and technological innovation for the cargo handling equipment market. Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK heavily invest in automation as ports and warehouses are converting toward more advanced equipment like AGVs and automated cranes. The continent’s support for environmental regulations, such as those put forth in the EU’s Green Deal, is also underpinning demand for energy-saving equipment, especially electric-powered and hybrid cargo handling solutions. Meanwhile, with the surge in e-commerce and mounting issues of port congestion, the call for greater efficiency and automated systems to optimise operations becomes even louder, thereby paving the way for continued market expansion.

• Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region is outpacing the rest of the world in growth thanks to its control of global manufacturing and trade, namely China, India, Japan, and South Korea. The ports in China and India are expanding quickly to keep pace with volumes of cargo, so there is increased demand for cargo handling equipment, namely cranes, forklifts, and automated equipment. Automation is growing quickly at logistics hubs and warehouses as companies attempt to improve their operational efficiencies and cut labour costs. Also, the governments in countries like China and Japan are investing heavily in sustainable infrastructure and automation technology, which will only stimulate further growth in the cargo handling equipment market.

• LAMEA (Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa): LAMEA is experiencing modest growth, driven by economic development and infrastructure investments. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and Mexico are working to improve their port infrastructure to increase their trade volumes, creating a demand for more efficient cargo handling equipment. In the Middle East, countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are investing heavily in modernising ports and expanding their logistics networks, which will increase demand for cranes, forklifts, and automated systems. In Africa, countries like South Africa are trying to make advancements in logistics and port operations to generate demand.

News Key Developments

In recent years, the Cargo handling equipment market has experienced several crucial changes as the players in the market strive to grow their geographical footprint and improve their product line and profits by using synergies.

• In January 2024, Konecranes introduced a new fleet of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) incorporating AI-driven systems to optimise warehouse operations. These innovations aim to improve efficiency, reduce human labour, and enhance overall operational performance in logistics and warehouse management. This move reflects the company’s focus on automation in cargo handling equipment.

• In March 2024, Cargotec announced the demerger of its Kalmar division, which focuses on advanced container handling and port automation technologies. This strategic decision is intended to streamline operations and foster further innovation in cargo handling equipment. The goal is to enhance port efficiency with the integration of automated solutions and modern cargo handling systems.

• In February 2024, KION Group made significant investments in sustainable technologies, including the development of fuel cell-powered industrial trucks and the launch of a battery recycling initiative. These efforts highlight the company’s commitment to reducing environmental impact, contributing to the broader industry’s push towards greener, eco-friendly cargo handling solutions.

• In April 2024, Liebherr Group unveiled new crane models with enhanced lifting capacities and improved fuel efficiency. These innovations cater to the growing demand for robust and environmentally friendly equipment in ports and terminals, addressing the increasing cargo handling requirements in global trade and operations.

• In May 2024, Hyster-Yale integrated Internet of Things (IoT) and telematics technologies into its forklifts and reach stackers. These systems enable real-time fleet management and data analytics, which improve operational efficiency. The company’s focus on IoT and telematics aims to optimise logistics and enhance fleet productivity in modern supply chains.

These important changes facilitated the companies ability to widen their portfolios, to bolster their competitiveness, and to exploit the possibilities for growth available in the Cargo handling equipment market. This phenomenon is likely to persist since most companies are struggling to outperform their rivals in the market.

Leading Players

The Cargo handling equipment market is highly competitive, with a large number of product providers globally. Some of the key players in the market include:

• 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

These companies implement a series of techniques to penetrate the market, such as innovations, mergers and acquisitions, and collaboration.

The cargo handling equipment market is intensely competitive and is currently experiencing significant transformation with the introduction of automation, sustainability, and technological integration. Konecranes, Cargotec Corporation, and Toyota Industries are the main market leaders offering an entire gamut of equipment, including cranes, forklifts, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). These companies have tunnels dug for huge investments in R&D to bring about electric and hybrid-powered solutions, as such a demand is growing due to an increasing number of environmental regulations.

Further, the market is seeing fragmentation due to the entry of regional players such as Mammoet and XCMG, which cater cost-effectively to local needs. Automation/digitalisation then become trends that drive competition, where Linde Material Handling and Mitsubishi Logisnext are among the players making use of technologies in warehouse management and cargo transportation. All in all, the market is dynamic and evolving, with innovation and sustainability setting the stage for competition.

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