MHEDA shares industry insights in Forkliftaction 2025 year-in-review report.
Forkliftaction has published its annual year-in-review report capturing the news stories that shaped the materials handling sector throughout 2025.
Last year, characterized by Forkliftaction editor Angie Kay as a ‘bumpy ride’, saw the geopolitical landscape shift rapidly as US tariffs were imposed, lifted, and revised, creating global economic uncertainty which drove equipment producers toward alternative markets and prompted some re-shoring back to the US.
At the same time, Chinese materials handling manufacturers expanded aggressively overseas, intensifying competition for the global market share.
Within the report, leaders from industry associations shared their views on the state of the market, offering key insights and takeaways for the materials handling community.
MHEDA CEO, Lauren Reed, describes the materials handling market in 2025 as “cautious and selective”, with companies noting the stretching of decision cycles, and increased buyer scrutiny.
Reed stresses that although suppliers needed to work harder to build customer confidence and get deals across the finish line, the industry remains resilient despite a challenging market.
“Even in uncertain periods, companies adapt,” Reed says. “They focus on customer outcomes, invest in their teams, and look for smarter ways to compete.”
Read the report for more on Reed’s observations from 2025 along with a comprehensive roundup of the year’s biggest materials handling news – from tariffs and the rise of Chinese manufacturers to automation and AI, product launches, mergers and acquisitions, and inroads into decarbonization and sustainability.
About Forkliftaction
For 25 years Forkliftaction’s independent and comprehensive weekly news has been covering the key developments within the materials handling market, both in the US and worldwide. Subscription to the news service and Forkliftaction’s other industry resources is free.
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