Rising Seaborne Trade to Create Demand for Cargo Handling Equipment to Propel Market Growth

Published: Oct 2025

Cargo handling equipment market was valued at $8.0 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $14.7 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period (2025–2035). The global cargo equipment handling equipment market is highly dependent on international trade for its growth, which mainly comes from seaborne trade. 

According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), up to 90% of the world's goods are transported through maritime trade. Further, the import and exports of goods through the marine have showcased exponential growth in recent years, especially post-pandemic, owing to the e-commerce boom, government investment in port infrastructure, and increased consumer spending.

Browse the full report description of “Cargo Handling Equipment Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Equipment Type (Industrial Trucks, Tow Tractors, Conveying Equipment, Stacker, Port Cranes, and Others (Pallet Jacks, and Loaders), by Propulsion Type (Diesel, and Electric), and by Application (Air, Road & Rail, and Marine) Forecast Period (2025-2035)” at https://www.omrglobal.com/industry-reports/cargo-handling-equipment-market

As per the Indian Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, cargo handling in national waterways has increased by more than 1700.0% to 126.1 million metric tons (MMT) in 2022–23 from 6.83 MMT in 2013–14. wherein, as reported by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in 2020, due to the fallout of the COVID-19, global maritime trade contracted by around 4.0%, which saw a rebound in 2022 with the global economy starting to recover and continued consumer spending, along with an easing in pandemic-related restrictions, causing maritime trade to increase by 3.2% reaching to a total of 11 billion tons, close to pre-pandemic levels. 

Key Players and Innovations

Several major players lead the cargo handling equipment market, including Cargotec Corp., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Konecranes Plc, Sany Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., and Toyota Industries Corp., among others. These companies are at the forefront of innovation, continually developing new technologies to meet the industry's evolving needs. For instance, in June 2024, Kalmar, part of Cargotec, announced the launch of a new electric empty container handler, complementing its industry-leading range of eco-efficient solutions, including terminal tractors, reach stackers, and forklifts.

Recent Developments

  • In October 2024, Liebherr Group delivered Germany's first LPS 600 portal slewing crane to J. MÜLLER Weser GmbH & Co. KG at the Port of Brake. This state-of-the-art crane features a 61-meter boom, motorized grab control, electric drive, and a large cable drum, enabling it to handle a range of dry bulk and general cargo at impressive speeds up to 1,000 tons per hour under optimal conditions.

Market Coverage

The market numbers available for – 2024-2035

Base year- 2024

Forecast period- 2025-2035

Segment Covered- 

o By Equipment Type

o By Propulsion Type 

o By Application 

Regions Covered-

o North America

o Europe

o Asia-Pacific

o Rest of the World

Competitive Landscape - Cargotec Corp., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Konecranes Plc, SANY HEAVY INDUSTRY CO., Ltd., Toyota Industries Corp., and others. 

Key questions addressed by the report.

  • What is the market growth rate?
  • Which segment and region dominate the market in the base year?
  • Which segment and region will project the fastest growth in the market?
  • Who is the leader in the market?
  • How are players addressing challenges to sustain growth?
  • Where is the investment opportunity?

Global Cargo Handling Equipment Market Report Segment

By Equipment Type

  • Industrial Trucks
  • Tow Tractors
  • Conveying Equipment
  • Stacker
  • Port Cranes
  • Others (Pallet Jacks, and Loaders)

By Propulsion Type 

  • Diesel
  • Electric

By Application 

  • Air
  • Road & Rail
  • Marine

Global Cargo Handling Equipment Market Report Segment by Region

North America

United States

Canada 

Europe

UK

Germany

Italy

Spain

France

Russia

Rest of Europe 

Asia-Pacific

China

India

Japan

South Korea

Australia and New Zealand

ASEAN Economies

Rest of Asia-Pacific 

Rest of the World

Latin America 

Middle East & Africa


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