Global Elevator and Escalator Industry Tracker, 2021

This study provides a global industry overview of new installations and service markets of elevators and escalators. Asia-Pacific and Americas, in particular Latin America, continue to be demand centers for new elevators and escalators with upcoming planned townships and smart cities, which include residential, office, transportation, and retail segments. Despite the COVID-19 challenges that have slowed down the construction of new buildings, the outlook for the elevator and escalator market remains robust over the forecast period. Growth rate of new installations in units in APAC and Americas are expected to be above the global CAGR of 2.2% from 2020 to 2025. On the other hand, revenue growth rate of new installations in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and Americas is expected to be higher than the global average of 4.1% CAGR over the same period.

The growth of residential projects is expected to continue with increasing urbanization rates where mass housing is expected to boost demand in developing regions of APAC and Americas. The growth in unit shipment after a dip in 2020, is estimated to gain momentum and grow throughout the forecast period, mainly due to to planned development of township in key regions. On the other hand, delay of infrastructure projects, such as rail, airports, and subway rail stations may affect the growth of new construction activities in the short term in some countries.

Despite the overall challenges and the slowdown in revenue and unit shipment for new installations, the maintenance segment remains robust with high growth in maintenance base by unit. APAC is likely to register above 6% CAGR from 2020 to 2025 on maintenance base demand by unit. This trend would provide a stable growth in revenue stream for elevator and escalator companies as global revenue from maintenance is likely to grow at 4.2% CAGR over the same period.

In general, adoption of machine room-less (MRL)-type elevators is increasing in the residential, office, retail, transportation, and hotel segments. MRL elevators are gaining traction in recent years due to the benefits of space saving and lower electricity consumption. Globally, Otis and KONE are the two market leading elevator and escalator brands. Other notable multi-national brands include Schindler, Mitsubishi Electric, TK Elevators (ThyssenKrupp), and Hitachi. It is common that some of the major companies operate through partnership with local companies in operating regions.

This study covers the period of 2020 to 2025. Findings in the base year of 2020 are collated from primary and secondary researches with elevator and escalator manufacturers, distributors, and elevator and escalator associations. Forecasts and analyses are verified and validated with industry participants.