In the 2025 business year, Liebherr recorded revenue of €489 million in the material handling technology product segment. This equates to €208 million or 29.8 % below the previous year’s figure.

The downward trend, which was already apparent in 2024, continued in the reporting year. The challenging market conditions coupled with the fall in demand – especially in scrap steel, owing to the sluggish automotive industry – impacted on the global market for material handling machines. Another key contributing factor was the geopolitical situation, as were the tariff policies of individual countries, which caused the world market as a whole to decline significantly.

The difficult market environment and economic protectionism were undeniably felt by Liebherr and complicated the sales situation. This resulted in falling figures and the sometimes major downturn in individual sales regions. In what is traditionally the most important market, the European Union, revenue fell dramatically – especially due to trends in the core markets of France and Germany. The same was true of non-EU countries, above all owing to declining business in the United Kingdom, and the economic region of Africa, Near and Middle East. Losses were also registered in the key sales region of North America. By contrast, significant growth was seen in Central and South America, primarily driven by the single markets of Chile and Brazil. Improvements were witnessed in Asia and Oceania, thanks largely to growth in Australia.

In the business year, Liebherr further developed its existing portfolio of material handling machines. The new LH 60 M High Rise Port E electric material handler was unveiled at Bauma 2025. With its reach of more than 23 m and a system output of 312 kW, the LH 60 M High Rise Port E combines high load capacities with impressive flexibility. The 180 kW electric motor provides for quiet, zero-emissions operation even at full power. Its operating weight of 72,800 to 80,300 kg ensures the machine has high stability, even in challenging conditions. The new model makes an important addition to the current portfolio of high-performance electric material handlers.

In the field of attachments, Liebherr first showcased the new GMM 20-5 multi-tine grab at the RecyclingAKTIV & TiefbauLIVE (RATL) demonstration exhibition. The successor of the GM 55 B is suitable for recycling and scrap handling. In this challenging working environment, the multi-tine grab is able to offer extreme loads, high resilience and a long service life.

In the material handling segment, the troubled market situation will persist in 2026. Depending on the geopolitical development, a modest recovery could be seen in selected markets. Liebherr is therefore looking to the 2026 business year with caution for the material handling technology product segment.