Manual and towed forklifts imports in the United States: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United States imported manual and towed forklifts worth $388.4 million (81.1 thousand tonnes). That makes it the largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 219 countries. Value rose 60% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 15% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $388.4M | 81.1K t |
| 2023 | $242.2M | 51.6K t |
| 2022 | $258.3M | 60.1K t |
| 2021 | $190.1M | 48.8K t |
| 2020 | $231.6M | 44.1K t |
| 2019 | $206.0M | 57.4K t |
| 2018 | $255.7M | 74.2K t |
| 2017 | $150.5M | 38.3K t |
Where the United States imports manual and towed forklifts from
The largest suppliers were China (28%), Netherlands (21%), Italy (13%). Among the main suppliers, Mexico grew fastest (+746% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $107.7M | 28% |
| Netherlands | $81.2M | 21% |
| Italy | $49.8M | 13% |
| India | $49.2M | 13% |
| United Kingdom | $30.3M | 7.8% |
| Mexico | $23.3M | 6% |
| Ireland | $18.5M | 4.8% |
| Canada | $5.0M | 1.3% |
| Germany | $4.4M | 1.1% |
| Sweden | $2.6M | 0.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.79 per kg, close to the world average of $4.32.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Manual and towed forklifts exports from the United States
Exports of manual and towed forklifts by the United States reached $116.7 million in 2024 (19.9 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 4th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 146 countries. The largest buyer markets were Canada (45%), Indonesia (5%), Singapore (5%). Among the main buyer markets, Indonesia grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $53.1M | 46% |
| Indonesia | $6.3M | 5.4% |
| Singapore | $6.2M | 5.3% |
| Mexico | $5.9M | 5.1% |
| India | $5.7M | 4.9% |
| Australia | $3.5M | 3% |
| Bahamas | $2.9M | 2.5% |
| France | $2.8M | 2.4% |
| Germany | $2.2M | 1.9% |
| Dominican Republic | $1.9M | 1.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States manual and towed forklifts imports (HS 8427.90): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 8427.90: Fork-lift and other works trucks: fitted with lifting or handling equipment, not self-propelled.
Common questions
What is the value of manual and towed forklifts imported by the United States?
The United States imported manual and towed forklifts worth $388.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 81.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 219 countries worldwide, with 22% of world imports. The value was up 60% on 2023.
Which countries supply manual and towed forklifts to the United States?
China was the largest supplier with 28% of the value ($107.7 million), followed by the Netherlands (21%) and Italy (13%). The top three together account for 61%, out of 48 supplier countries in total. Mexico grew fastest among the top ten, up 746% on the year.
What is the average import price of manual and towed forklifts per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.79 per kg in 2024, 11% above the world average of $4.32 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of manual and towed forklifts to the United States changed since 2017?
Imports went from $150.5 million in 2017 to $388.4 million in 2024, an increase of 158%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $240.3 million a year.
Does the United States also export manual and towed forklifts?
Yes. The United States exported $116.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Canada, Indonesia and Singapore. On balance the United States is a net importer of this product, by about $271.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for manual and towed forklifts?
The HS code for manual and towed forklifts is subheading 8427.90. It sits in HS chapter 84 (machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear reactors; parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8427 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Shipment-level records for the United States reach EximDataX from a direct customs feed, with company names, dates and declared values. We can show them for your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World manual and towed forklifts trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United States
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