Dongguan Securities·2026-01-21 09:30Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Market Perform" rating for the forklift industry, emphasizing the importance of lithium battery replacement and product export as key investment themes [1]. Core Insights - The forklift industry is experiencing a clear transition towards electrification, driven by increasing domestic demand and favorable policies. The focus is shifting towards safety regulations, emission controls, and digital supervision, which guide the industry's upgrade direction [4][11]. - The electrification of forklifts, particularly through lithium batteries, is identified as a primary growth driver. The advantages of electric forklifts include environmental friendliness, low noise, and low energy consumption, leading to increased penetration in high-demand sectors [4][38]. - The report highlights the competitive landscape, noting that domestic leaders are enhancing their core competitiveness through high-performance products and deepening international market presence. The industry is characterized by significant barriers to entry, including technology, brand, and distribution channels [4][29]. Summary by Sections 1. Domestic Demand and Market Overview - The forklift industry in China has seen rapid growth, with a projected 2024 sales volume of 1.45 million units, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 12.93% [18]. - The global forklift market is expected to reach 21.598 million units in 2024, with Asia accounting for 52.01% of sales [18][29]. - The competitive landscape is dominated by foreign companies, with the top three (CR3) holding approximately 53% market share in 2024 [29]. 2. Electrification and Lithium Battery Market - The report emphasizes that lithium batteries will lead the electrification transition, with electric forklifts expected to replace internal combustion models due to stricter environmental regulations [4][38]. - The market for electric forklifts is projected to grow significantly, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.16% from 2025 to 2030, reaching a market size of $71.85 billion [29]. 3. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on companies with lithium battery technology barriers and strong overseas channels, such as Hangcha Group, Anhui Heli, Zhongli Group, and Noli Group, which are expected to benefit from tightening environmental policies and the electrification wave [4][29].