Top 10 Countries in Elevator Production for 2025
The elevator industry is a critical pillar of modern infrastructure, enabling vertical transportation in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings worldwide. In 2025, global elevator production is thriving, driven by rapid urbanization, technological advancements, and the growing demand for sustainable and smart solutions. This article explores the top 10 countries leading elevator production in 2025, supported by detailed statistics and industry trends. From high-speed passenger elevators to energy-efficient escalators, these nations dominate the market through innovation, manufacturing scale, and strategic investments.
The Role of Elevators in Global Development
Elevators are essential for urban mobility, facilitating the movement of people and goods in increasingly dense cities. The global elevator and escalator market was valued at USD 94.05 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 100.23 billion in 2025, reaching USD 167.62 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%. In 2024, approximately 850,000 elevator units were produced globally, with Asia-Pacific accounting for nearly three-quarters of this demand. This growth is fueled by the construction of high-rise buildings, which numbered over 1,814 structures above 150 meters in China alone by 2018, more than double that of the United States.
Key drivers include urbanization, with 50% of the Asia-Pacific population living in urban areas by 2018, and innovations such as smart elevators with IoT integration, which improve efficiency by up to 15%. Challenges like high energy consumption and environmental concerns are being addressed through sustainable practices, with companies like KONE achieving carbon-neutral manufacturing by 2023, reducing emissions by 71%. The following rankings highlight the top 10 countries in elevator production for 2025, based on manufacturing output, market share, and technological contributions.
Top 10 Countries in Elevator Production for 2025
The rankings below are based on production volumes, market presence of major manufacturers, and infrastructure development. These countries lead the global elevator industry through advanced technology, large-scale production facilities, and a focus on sustainability.
1. China
China is the world’s largest elevator producer, accounting for over 70% of global production in 2024. The country hosts major manufacturers like Otis, Schindler, and Hitachi, alongside domestic leaders such as Xizi Otis and Canny Elevator. In 2017, China’s elevator market saw over 35,000 units sold by Xizi Otis alone, and this trend has continued, with an estimated 600,000 units produced in 2025. China’s dominance is driven by rapid urbanization, with over 1,800 skyscrapers above 150 meters, and government initiatives supporting smart city development. Companies like Hosting Elevator, founded in 1993, contribute significantly with their extensive production bases.
2. United States
The United States ranks second, producing around 50,000 elevator units annually in 2025. Home to Otis Elevator Company, the world’s largest manufacturer with a 27% global market share, the U.S. benefits from its advanced technological infrastructure. Otis, founded in 1853, has installed elevators in iconic structures like the Burj Khalifa and the Empire State Building. The U.S. market is projected to reach USD 28.42 billion by 2032, driven by government investments in infrastructure, such as the USD 1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021.
3. Japan
Japan produces approximately 40,000 elevator units in 2025, led by companies like Mitsubishi Electric, Fujitec, and Hitachi. Mitsubishi Electric, a pioneer since 1921, is known for the world’s fastest elevators, reaching speeds of 20.5 meters per second in the Shanghai Tower. Japan’s focus on high-speed, energy-efficient elevators for high-rise buildings supports its position. The country’s elevator market benefits from urban development and a projected CAGR of 3.8% through 2027.
4. Germany
Germany, with an estimated production of 30,000 units in 2025, is a European leader in elevator manufacturing. TK Elevator (formerly ThyssenKrupp), headquartered in Düsseldorf, operates in over 100 countries and employs nearly 100,000 people. Germany’s emphasis on innovation, such as TK Elevator’s EOX Renew Series launched in 2023, which uses 28% less energy, ensures its global competitiveness. The country also benefits from a strong construction sector and sustainable building trends.
5. Switzerland
Switzerland produces around 25,000 elevator units in 2025, driven by Schindler Group, founded in 1874. Schindler operates in over 140 countries with 58,000 employees and has production facilities in the U.S., Spain, Slovakia, and China. The company’s focus on safety, with initiatives like the Confirmation of Periodic Safety Inspection (CPSI), and modular elevator designs, positions Switzerland as a key player. Schindler’s partnerships, such as with Umm Al Qura in Saudi Arabia for 150 elevators in 2023, highlight its global reach.
6. Finland
Finland, with KONE Corporation at the forefront, produces approximately 20,000 units in 2025. KONE, founded in 1910 and based in Espoo, operates in 60 countries with 33,800 employees. The company achieved carbon-neutral manufacturing in 2023, reducing emissions by 71%, and holds 36 energy efficiency references under ISO 25745. KONE’s innovations, like IoT-enabled elevators, support Finland’s role in the global market, with a focus on sustainable urban mobility.
7. South Korea
South Korea’s elevator production reaches 18,000 units in 2025, driven by Hyundai Elevator, founded in 1984. Hyundai operates in 68 countries and is known for AI-driven technologies like MIRI-VIEW, launched in 2023, which reduces elevator stoppages by 43%. South Korea’s market benefits from urban growth and infrastructure projects, with a strong presence in Asia-Pacific, where it holds a significant share of the market.
8. Italy
Italy produces around 15,000 elevator units in 2025, contributing to Europe’s vertical transportation sector. The country is home to smaller but innovative manufacturers like IGV Group, which focuses on customized solutions. Italy’s production is supported by its construction industry and demand for residential and commercial elevators, particularly in urban centers like Milan and Rome. The country’s emphasis on design and energy efficiency aligns with European sustainability goals.
9. India
India’s elevator production is estimated at 12,000 units in 2025, fueled by rapid urbanization and infrastructure development. The Indian elevator market was valued at USD 2.95 billion in 2024, projected to reach USD 4.84 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 7.8%. Companies like KONE, Otis, and Fujitec have a strong presence, with Fujitec securing an order for 538 elevators in Gurgaon in 2023. Government initiatives, such as the Smart Cities Mission, drive demand for modern elevator systems.
10. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom rounds out the top 10, producing around 10,000 elevator units in 2025. Stannah, a major player with over 150 years of experience, operates in 60 countries and has produced over 750,000 stairlifts. The UK’s elevator market is driven by residential and commercial construction, with a focus on accessibility and sustainability. The country’s aging population, projected to reach 2.1 billion globally by 2050, increases demand for elevators to support mobility.
Key Trends Shaping Elevator Production in 2025
The global elevator industry is undergoing significant transformation, driven by innovation and sustainability. Key trends include:
- Smart Technology: IoT and AI integration, as seen in Hyundai’s MIRI-VIEW system, reduces downtime by 43% and enhances user experience.
- Sustainability: Companies like KONE and Schindler lead with carbon-neutral manufacturing and energy-efficient designs, cutting emissions by up to 71%.
- Urbanization: Asia-Pacific’s dominance, with 43.77% market share in 2024, is fueled by urban growth in China and India.
- Modernization: The global modernization market is expected to double by 2030, with China’s segment growing seven-fold, as per Credit Suisse forecasts.
Data Table: Top 10 Countries by Elevator Production (Estimated 2025)
| Rank | Country | Production (Units) | Share of Global Production (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 600,000 | 70.6 |
| 2 | United States | 50,000 | 5.9 |
| 3 | Japan | 40,000 | 4.7 |
| 4 | Germany | 30,000 | 3.5 |
| 5 | Switzerland | 25,000 | 2.9 |
| 6 | Finland | 20,000 | 2.4 |
| 7 | South Korea | 18,000 | 2.1 |
| 8 | Italy | 15,000 | 1.8 |
| 9 | India | 12,000 | 1.4 |
| 10 | United Kingdom | 10,000 | 1.2 |
Visualization: Elevator Production by Country
Block Quote: Industry Insight
“Elevators are no longer just a means of transport—they’re a cornerstone of smart, sustainable urban development. The future lies in integrating technology and sustainability to meet the demands of growing cities.”
Challenges and Opportunities
The elevator industry faces challenges such as high production costs and the need for energy-efficient solutions. In 2023, KONE reported a 3.1% decline in new building solutions sales due to market fluctuations, though modernization sales grew by 21.2%. However, opportunities abound, particularly in smart technology and sustainability. The global modernization market is expected to double by 2030, with China leading at over 50% of the market by 2026. Emerging markets like India and Southeast Asia, with projects like Hanoi’s 13 new metro lines by 2025, offer significant growth potential.
Countries like China and the United States set benchmarks in production scale, while Japan and Germany lead in innovation. As urbanization continues, with the global population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the demand for efficient vertical transportation will only increase, driving further advancements in the industry.
Conclusion
In 2025, the global elevator industry reflects a dynamic interplay of technology, sustainability, and urban demand. China dominates with its massive production capacity, while the United States and Japan drive innovation. European nations like Germany, Switzerland, and Finland excel in sustainable practices, and emerging players like India and South Korea strengthen the market. As the industry navigates challenges like cost and environmental impact, investments in smart technology, energy efficiency, and modernization will shape its future. The top 10 countries highlighted here are not just producers but pioneers in redefining vertical transportation for a rapidly urbanizing world.
