China has become the world's largest forklift manufacturer and exporter, with domestic brands accounting for over 80% of the domestic market share. The industry is dominated by two clear leaders – Heli and Hangcha – which together control more than 45% of the Chinese market. The 2026 landscape is defined by aggressive electrification, lithium-ion adoption, and a three-tier competitive structure: national champions, emerging electric specialists, and global joint ventures.
First Tier – The National Champions
Heli (Anhui Heli Co., Ltd.)
Heli is China's largest forklift manufacturer and a top-10 global brand. Founded in 1958, the company produces over 600 models across 1.0 to 55.0 tonnes capacity, including electric, diesel, LPG, and warehouse equipment. Heli has more than 800 service outlets and exports to over 180 countries. The company leads in both volume and technology, with advanced lithium-ion and automated solutions.
Hangcha Group
Hangcha is China's second-largest forklift manufacturer and Heli's primary domestic competitor. With over 40 years of experience, Hangcha produces a comprehensive range of electric and internal combustion forklifts, reach trucks, and automated guided vehicles. The company is recognized for its lithium battery technology, smart logistics solutions, and strong export presence in Europe and North America.
EP Equipment (Zhongli)
EP Equipment is China's largest manufacturer of electric warehouse equipment. The company leads in lithium-ion pallet trucks, stackers, and reach trucks, with a strong focus on scalable automation and high-voltage electric forklifts. EP has ranked first in domestic electric warehouse truck sales for 12 consecutive years and is a leading exporter of lithium-ion material handling solutions.
Second Tier – Electric and Lithium Specialists
BYD Forklift
BYD leverages its global leadership in lithium-ion battery technology to produce fully integrated electric forklifts. The company offers zero-maintenance lithium iron phosphate forklifts with fast charging, long cycle life, and no battery replacement for the life of the truck. BYD is a premium electric player in the Chinese market and has expanded significantly in Europe and North America.
Noblelift
Noblelift is a leading manufacturer of electric forklifts, pallet trucks, and warehouse equipment. The company focuses on intelligent logistics solutions, with new 2026 releases including heavy-duty lithium forklifts and AI-powered automation platforms. Noblelift's products are widely exported and compete in both value and premium electric segments.
Longking (Lonking)
Longking is a major Chinese construction machinery manufacturer that has expanded aggressively into electric forklifts. The company offers a range of electric and diesel counterbalance forklifts, including heavy-duty models up to 18 tonnes. Longking's electric forklifts feature CATL lithium batteries and are designed for demanding logistics and industrial applications.
Zoomlion
Zoomlion produces electric and diesel forklifts for industrial and construction applications. The company's FB30Z electric forklift is a representative model in the 3-ton class, featuring advanced AC motor technology and ergonomic design.
LiuGong
LiuGong offers a range of electric and diesel forklifts, including the CPCD35-EMJ lithium battery model and heavy-duty 9-ton electric forklifts. LiuGong combines construction machinery expertise with material handling solutions.
Third Tier – Global Joint Ventures and Premium Brands
Mitsubishi Logisnext – Cat Lift Trucks (China)
The Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift joint venture produces Cat and Mitsubishi branded lift trucks in China. These models serve the premium domestic and export markets, with capacities spanning 1.0 to 36.0 tonnes. Cat lift trucks are sold through a global dealer network and maintain a strong reputation for quality and durability.
Toyota Material Handling (China)
Toyota manufactures forklifts in China through its joint venture with Toyota Industries. The company produces Toyota-branded electric and internal combustion forklifts for the Chinese and Asian markets, known for reliability, safety features, and high resale value.
Other Global Brands with China Production
Linde (KION Group) – Premium electric and hydrostatic forklifts manufactured in China
Jungheinrich – European-designed electric forklifts produced in China
Hyster-Yale – Heavy-duty forklifts manufactured through Chinese joint ventures
Market Trends and Competitive Landscape
Lithium-Ion Dominance
Lithium-ion forklifts accounted for 68.5% of all electric forklift sales in China in 2025, compared to just 9.32% in 2018. The 2026 penetration rate is expected to exceed 70%, with domestic manufacturers leading the transition.
Electrification Acceleration
Electric forklift sales rose 21.49% year-on-year in 2025, far outpacing the roughly 3% growth of internal combustion forklifts. Total domestic forklift sales in 2025 reached 1.4518 million units, with electric forklifts accounting for 76.9% of the total.
Brand Positioning
Brand Positioning Key Strengths
Heli Volume leader, full-range Broadest product range, largest service network
Hangcha Technology leader, export-focused Lithium technology, smart logistics
EP Equipment Warehouse specialist Electric warehouse equipment, automation
BYD Premium electric Lithium battery technology, zero maintenance
Noblelift Intelligent logistics AI-powered solutions, heavy electric models
Longking Heavy electric High-capacity electric forklifts
Cat/Mitsubishi Premium global Quality, durability, global support
Toyota Premium reliability Safety features, resale value
Export Market
Chinese forklift manufacturers have captured significant share in the global market, with Heli and Hangcha ranked among the top 10 forklift brands worldwide. Export volumes continue to grow, driven by competitive pricing, advanced lithium technology, and a complete domestic supply chain.
Summary
China's forklift market in 2026 is defined by three competitive tiers: national champions Heli and Hangcha, emerging electric specialists like BYD, EP Equipment, and Noblelift, and global premium brands manufactured in China through joint ventures. Lithium-ion penetration has passed the tipping point, with over 68% of electric forklift sales featuring advanced battery technology. Domestic brands account for more than 80% of the domestic market, with Heli and Hangcha alone controlling over 45%. For international buyers, Chinese forklift brands offer a compelling combination of competitive pricing, advanced lithium technology, and comprehensive model ranges.