China is the world's largest producer and exporter of forklifts, accounting for over 45% of global electric forklift output and more than 24% of worldwide exports. In 2025, the domestic electrification rate reached 65%, with lithium battery penetration hitting 40%—both well above the global average. Chinese manufacturers are rapidly transitioning from low-cost alternatives to global competitors, driven by advancements in lithium-ion technology, automation, and smart logistics solutions.
Market Structure: Three Competitive Tiers
The Chinese forklift market follows a clear three-tier structure.
Tier Key Players Characteristics
First Tier (National Leaders) Anhui Heli, Hangcha Group, Zhejiang Zhongli (EP Equipment) Dominant market share; comprehensive product lines; strong R&D and distribution networks
Second Tier (Specialists) BYD, Noblelift, Lonking, LiuGong, Xuzhou (XCMG) Differentiated technology; strong positions in electric, heavy-duty, or niche segments
Third Tier (Regional/Value) Dalian, Tailift, Jialift, Jingjiang Regional focus; cost-effective solutions for price-sensitive buyers
First Tier: The National Leaders
Anhui Heli Co., Ltd. (HELI)
Heli is China's largest forklift manufacturer and consistently ranks in the global top 7. It holds over 25% of the domestic market and has been China's industry leader for 34 consecutive years. In 2025, Heli exported more than 150,000 units—a 19% year-over-year increase—with overseas revenue exceeding RMB 8.7 billion.
Heli offers over 2,000 product models spanning electric, lithium, and internal combustion forklifts from 1 to 46 tonnes. With 3,086 patents (236 for inventions) and participation in international standard-setting, the company maintains a sales network across 25 provinces with over 500 service points.
Hangcha Group
Hangcha is China's second-largest forklift manufacturer, holding approximately 23% domestic market share. It ranks 8th globally, with products distributed to more than 180 countries and regions, representing about 13% of the global market. Founded in 1956 and listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in 2016, Hangcha generated RMB 17.74 billion in revenue in 2025.
Hangcha offers one of the industry's most comprehensive product lines, from 0.6 to 48 tonnes electric and internal combustion forklifts, warehouse equipment, side loaders, container handlers, reach stackers, and AGVs. With over 6,000 employees worldwide and subsidiaries in more than 20 countries, Hangcha leads China's forklift exports.
Zhejiang Zhongli (EP Equipment)
Zhongli (EP Equipment) holds approximately 15% domestic market share and is the dominant player in electric warehouse equipment. The company has been China's top producer of Class 2 and Class 3 electric forklifts for 12 consecutive years.
EP's "Xiaojingang" (Little Steel) series has sold over 500,000 units globally, and the company is known for innovative electric and lithium-powered warehouse solutions. EP specializes in compact, electric, and lithium-ion warehouse equipment, making it particularly attractive for e-commerce and logistics operations.
Second Tier: Specialists and Differentiators
BYD Forklift
A subsidiary of BYD Group, this manufacturer focuses exclusively on electric solutions powered by proprietary lithium iron phosphate battery technology. BYD offers a strong value proposition for zero-emission operations and is regarded as a benchmark in high-end lithium forklifts.
Noblelift
Noblelift has strengthened its position through the acquisition of Manitou's industrial vehicle division, gaining access to European mid-to-high-end electric forklift technology. The company is known for competitive pricing in light-duty equipment and strong capabilities in logistics system integration and automated guided vehicles.
Lonking
A prominent heavy equipment manufacturer with a growing presence in the forklift segment, Lonking offers competitively priced internal combustion and electric models across various industries.
LiuGong
A subsidiary of Guangxi LiuGong Machinery, this manufacturer has an annual production capacity of 30,000 forklifts and components. LiuGong focuses on heavy-duty applications, with over 50% robotic automation coverage for critical components.
Xuzhou (XCMG)
A brand under XCMG Group, this manufacturer develops new energy forklifts with lead-acid and lithium battery integration for airport logistics and other specialized applications.
Third Tier: Regional and Value Players
Dalian Forklift specializes in medium-to-heavy tonnage forklifts (5–10 tonnes) with a strong presence in heavy industrial regions such as Northeast and North China. Tailift offers mature internal combustion technology at prices roughly 20% below leading brands. Jialift and Jingjiang Forklift provide regional, budget-friendly options for cost-sensitive buyers with simple applications.
Key Manufacturing Hubs
China's forklift production is concentrated in several regions.
Province Key Advantage Representative Manufacturers
Zhejiang Electric and lithium warehouse equipment Hangcha, EP Equipment, Noblelift
Anhui Heavy machinery and full-line production Anhui Heli
Shandong Heavy machinery, IC and electric forklifts Yu Ding, Shandong Ant
Fujian Export-ready, R&D and automation Xiamen LTMG
Hebei Cost-efficient, large-scale volume production Hebei Leichai
Jiangsu Diverse manufacturing capabilities Tailift, various component suppliers
International Presence and Certification
Chinese forklift manufacturers are increasingly export-oriented. Hangcha's products are distributed to over 180 countries. Heli's overseas revenue exceeded RMB 8.7 billion in 2025.
Major players have obtained international certifications including ISO 9001 (quality management), CE (European safety), and UL (North American electrical safety).
Product Range Overview
Product Category Leading Manufacturers
Internal Combustion (Diesel/LPG) Heli, Hangcha, Lonking, LiuGong
Electric (Lead-Acid/Lithium) BYD, Hangcha, Heli, EP Equipment
Warehouse Equipment (Pallet Trucks, Reach Trucks) EP Equipment, Noblelift, Hangcha
Heavy-Duty (5–48 tonnes) Heli, Hangcha, Dalian, XCMG
AGV / Autonomous Heli, Hangcha, EP Equipment, Noblelift
The bottom line: China's forklift industry is dominated by three national leaders—Anhui Heli, Hangcha Group, and EP Equipment—who collectively hold the majority of domestic market share and are expanding aggressively into global markets. Second-tier players including BYD, Noblelift, Lonking, and LiuGong differentiate themselves through electric technology, heavy-duty capability, or export specialization. Major manufacturing hubs are concentrated in Zhejiang, Anhui, Shandong, Fujian, and Hebei provinces. With over 45% of global electric forklift production and rapidly improving technology, Chinese manufacturers are transitioning from low-cost alternatives to competitive global suppliers.