Material Handling Market Report 2026

The material handling market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $47.51 billion in 2025 to $51.77 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to e-commerce growth, industrialization expansion, demand for efficient logistics, manual material handling limitations, manufacturing scale-up.

The material handling market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $72.9 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to warehouse automation investments, smart factory adoption, growth of omni-channel distribution, labor shortage mitigation, demand for energy-efficient handling systems. Major trends in the forecast period include expansion of warehouse automation, rising adoption of agvs and asrs, demand for high-throughput logistics systems, growth of smart conveying solutions, focus on workplace safety and ergonomics.

The growth of the material handling market is expected to be driven by the rise of the e-commerce industry going forward. The expansion of e-commerce is fueled by widespread smartphone use and internet accessibility, offering consumers convenience and a wide range of product choices. Material handling supports the e-commerce sector by streamlining the movement, storage, and retrieval of products in warehouses, improving order fulfillment efficiency and reducing delivery times. For example, according to the US Census Bureau, in the first quarter of 2024, e-commerce sales increased by 8.5% compared to the same period in 2023, accounting for 15.6% of total retail sales, which grew 2.8% year over year. Therefore, the growth of e-commerce is driving the material handling market.

Key players in the material handling market are focusing on launching innovative products and expanding their product portfolios to gain a competitive advantage. These solutions aim to deliver enhanced efficiency, versatility, and performance while prioritizing operator comfort. For instance, in May 2023, Toyota Material Handling (TMH), a US-based manufacturer and distributor of forklifts and tow tractors, introduced the Side-Entry End Rider, Center Rider Stacker, and Industrial Tow Tractor. These electric forklift models provide next-generation adaptability, efficiency, and top-tier performance with operator comfort in mind. The Side-Entry End Rider, available in 6,000- and 8,000-pound variants, is designed for order picking and cross-warehouse movement, featuring an automatic parking brake and standard power steering to boost uptime and reduce energy costs. The Center Rider Stacker’s three-in-one design combines the functions of a center rider, order picker, and counterbalanced forklift for maximum flexibility. The Industrial Tow Tractor offers a towing capacity of 15,000 pounds on level ground and includes electric power steering for effortless operation, improved ergonomics, and precise control.

In May 2025, Duravant LLC, a US-based industrial equipment and automation company specializing in packaging solutions, acquired Pattyn Group BV for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition is intended to expand Duravant’s packaging automation and material handling capabilities, particularly in end-of-line solutions, by integrating Pattyn’s advanced bag-in-box and palletizing technologies, which improve efficiency and scalability in packaging operations. Pattyn Group BV is a Belgium-based company specializing in innovative packaging automation systems for industrial and bulk goods.

Major companies operating in the material handling market are Mitsubishi Logisnext Co.Ltd., Komatsu Ltd., Toyota Industries Corporation, Liebherr Group, Doosan Corporation, Kion Group AG, Jungheinrich AG, Crown Equipment Corporation, Daifuku Co. Ltd., Cascade Corporation, Hyster-Yale-Materials Handling, Dematic Group, Manitou Group, Hangcha Group Co. Ltd., SSI Schaefer Systems International, Hoist Liftruck Mfg. Inc., Anhui Heli Co. Ltd., Clark Material Handling Company, Columbus McKinnon Corporation, Raymond Corporation, Bastian Solutions LLC, Eisenmann AG, Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Hytrol Conveyor Co., Combilift Ltd., Viastore Systems, Schaefer Systems International Pvt. Ltd., EMH Inc., Beumer Group, KUKA AG, AGV International, TGW Logistics Group, Interroll Group.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the material handling market in 2025. Western Europe was the second-largest region in the global material handling market share. The regions covered in the material handling market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the material handling market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The materials handling market includes revenues earned by entities by automatic guided vehicles (AGVs), automatic identification and data collection, casters and wheels, controls, conveyors, dock equipment, and ergonomics. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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