As China’s forklift brands become increasingly competitive on the international stage, global buyers are taking notice. Long known for cost-effective manufacturing, Chinese companies are now gaining ground with advancements in technology, design, and performance. From electric forklifts that rival Western models in efficiency and sustainability to smart, autonomous solutions tailored for modern warehouses, China is no longer just a low-cost alternative—it’s becoming a driving force in the material handling industry. Here’s what you need to know about this accelerating shift.
A Shift in Global Forklift Dynamics
For decades, forklift manufacturing has been dominated by established players from Japan, Europe, and the U.S. Brands like Toyota, KION (Linde, STILL), Hyster-Yale, and Mitsubishi have traditionally led the pack in terms of volume, innovation, and brand recognition.
However, over the past ten years—and especially since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains—Chinese forklift manufacturers have gained significant ground. Thanks to competitive pricing, rapid innovation, and increasingly robust after-sales support, companies such as Hangcha, HELI, Lonking, and BYD Forklift are expanding aggressively into global markets.
Who Are the Major Chinese Forklift Players?
HELI (Anhui Heli Co., Ltd.)
It is China’s largest forklift manufacturer. It consistently ranked in the global top 10. HELI offers a full range of IC and electric forklifts and has an extensive global distribution network.
Hangcha Group
Thhe company is known for its reliability and good value. This forklift brand has been exporting to over 150 countries. Their product range includes electric, diesel, LPG, and lithium-ion forklifts.
BYD Forklift
BYD Forklift is part of the BYD Group and focuses exclusively on electric solutions. Its lithium iron phosphate battery technology offers a strong value proposition for companies pursuing zero-emission operations.
Lonking
This is a prominent heavy equipment manufacturer with a growing presence in the forklift segment. It offers competitively priced IC and electric models.
EP Equipment
This innovation-oriented brand that focuses on compact, electric and lithium-ion warehouse equipment including forklifts, especially attractive for e-commerce and last-mile logistics.
Why Are Chinese Forklift Brands Gaining Popularity?
Price Advantage
Chinese forklift brands offer equipment that is often 20–40% less expensive than Western counterparts. This makes them attractive for cost-sensitive buyers and emerging markets.
Technology Leapfrogging
While some earlier Chinese models lagged in quality or innovation, recent products—particularly electric and lithium-ion forklifts—have caught up quickly. Brands like BYD and EP are now seen as innovators.
Faster Lead Times
With many global manufacturers still suffering from long backorders post-COVID, Chinese manufacturers have leveraged shorter production cycles and domestic supply chains to fill demand more quickly.
Focus on Sustainability
Responding to global environmental trends, many Chinese brands are betting on electric-only product lines, aligning with ESG targets of major logistics players.
Key Considerations for Forklift Buyers
While the forklift growth is real, professionals should still evaluate the following before choosing a Chinese forklift:
After-Sales Support
Ensure there is a solid local distributor network with spare parts availability and certified technicians.
Compliance & Certification
Make sure the equipment complies with CE, ANSI, or other relevant international standards.
Long-Term Reliability
While build quality has improved significantly, long-term performance and residual value may still vary among brands.
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