Top 10 Countries in Escalator Production for 2025
The escalator industry plays a pivotal role in shaping urban mobility, providing efficient vertical transportation in bustling cities, airports, metro stations, and commercial complexes. In 2025, global escalator production is experiencing robust growth, fueled by rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and the rising demand for smart and sustainable solutions. This article delves into the top 10 countries leading escalator production in 2025, offering detailed insights backed by statistics and trends. From high-traffic public transit systems to eco-friendly designs, these nations are at the forefront of the escalator market, driving innovation and meeting global demand.
The Significance of Escalators in Urban Infrastructure
Escalators are mechanized stair systems designed to transport people between building levels, enhancing accessibility in high-traffic environments like malls, airports, and metro stations. The global escalator market, part of the broader elevator and escalator industry, was valued at USD 10.12 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 17.10 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.97%. In 2024, the global market demand for escalators and elevators combined reached approximately 850,000 units, with escalators comprising a significant portion due to their widespread use in public infrastructure.
Key drivers include urbanization, with Asia-Pacific accounting for nearly three-quarters of global demand, and technological advancements such as IoT-enabled smart escalators, which improve energy efficiency by up to 15%. Challenges like stringent safety regulations and high production costs are being addressed through innovations like energy-saving motors and modular designs. This article ranks the top 10 countries in escalator production for 2025, focusing on manufacturing output, market influence, and technological contributions.
Top 10 Countries in Escalator Production for 2025
The rankings are based on production volumes, the presence of major manufacturers, and infrastructure projects driving demand. These countries lead the global escalator industry through advanced technology, large-scale production facilities, and a commitment to sustainability.
1. China
China dominates global escalator production, contributing to over 70% of the world’s elevator and escalator units in 2024. With an estimated 600,000 units produced in 2025, including a significant share of escalators, China is home to major manufacturers like Otis, Schindler, and domestic players such as Shanghai Mitsubishi Elevator Co., Ltd. and Canny Elevator Co., Ltd. The country’s rapid urbanization, with over 1,814 skyscrapers above 150 meters, and smart city initiatives drive demand. In 2016, China imported 4.6 million tons of escalator-related machinery, reflecting its massive production capacity.
2. Japan
Japan ranks second, producing around 40,000 escalator and elevator units in 2025, with escalators forming a key segment. Companies like Mitsubishi Electric, Hitachi, and Fujitec lead the market, known for innovations such as Mitsubishi’s ‘u series’ escalators, launched in 2023, which enhance safety and save 20% more energy than previous models. Japan’s market is expected to reach 31,449 units by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 3.61%. Events like the World Expo 2025 in Osaka further boost production, with infrastructure projects like Kansai Airport’s USD 911 million expansion increasing demand.
3. United States
The United States produces approximately 30,000 escalator and elevator units in 2025, with Otis Elevator Company leading the market. Otis, the world’s largest vendor, holds a 27% global market share and operates in over 200 countries. The U.S. market benefits from infrastructure investments, such as the USD 12 million modernization of 372 escalators and elevators at Miami International Airport, approved in 2023. Escalators at Bethesda Metro Station, measuring 212 feet, highlight the country’s focus on public transit infrastructure.
4. Germany
Germany, a European leader, produces an estimated 25,000 units in 2025, with TK Elevator (formerly ThyssenKrupp) at the forefront. TK Elevator, operating in over 100 countries, introduced the EOX Renew Series in 2023, reducing energy use by 28%. Germany’s escalator production is supported by its robust construction sector and stringent safety standards, with the country importing USD 3.5 million worth of escalators in 2023 despite a 31% decline. The focus on sustainability and smart buildings drives its market growth.
5. Switzerland
Switzerland produces around 20,000 units in 2025, led by Schindler Group, a global leader since 1874. Schindler operates in over 140 countries and has production facilities in Spain, Slovakia, and China. In 2023, Schindler secured a contract for 150 escalators and elevators in Saudi Arabia, showcasing its international reach. Switzerland’s escalator production benefits from its focus on safety and innovation, with modular designs catering to diverse infrastructure needs.
6. Finland
Finland, home to KONE Corporation, produces approximately 15,000 units in 2025. KONE, founded in 1910, achieved carbon-neutral manufacturing in 2023, reducing emissions by 71%. The company’s IoT-enabled escalators enhance efficiency, with 36 energy efficiency references under ISO 25745. Finland’s production is driven by sustainable urban mobility trends, with KONE operating in 60 countries and focusing on smart city projects across Europe and Asia.
7. South Korea
South Korea produces an estimated 12,000 units in 2025, with Hyundai Elevator leading the market. Hyundai, founded in 1984, operates in 68 countries and introduced AI-driven technologies like MIRI-VIEW in 2023, reducing stoppages by 43%. South Korea’s escalator market benefits from urban growth and infrastructure projects, holding a 10% share of global elevator sales annually. The country’s focus on smart escalators aligns with Asia-Pacific’s rising demand.
8. Thailand
Thailand emerges as a regional hub, producing around 10,000 units in 2025. The country hosts manufacturing plants for Mitsubishi Elevator and Hitachi, which produced 25,000 units annually by 2015, far exceeding local demand of 5,500 units. Thailand serves as a supply base for Southeast Asia, supporting countries like Vietnam and Malaysia. Infrastructure projects, such as Bangkok’s plan for 219 metro stations by 2020, continue to drive escalator production.
9. Italy
Italy produces approximately 8,000 escalator and elevator units in 2025, contributing to Europe’s vertical transportation sector. Smaller manufacturers like IGV Group focus on customized solutions for commercial spaces. Italy’s production is supported by urban development in cities like Milan and Rome, with escalators in public transit systems like metro stations playing a key role. The country’s emphasis on design and energy efficiency aligns with European sustainability goals.
10. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom rounds out the top 10, producing around 7,000 units in 2025. The UK market, valued at 8,033 units in 2023, is projected to reach 9,183 units by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 2.25%. Companies like Stannah, with over 150 years of experience, lead the market. Infrastructure projects like the High Speed 2 (HS2) railway, set to open between 2029 and 2033, drive demand for escalators in transit hubs.
Key Trends Shaping Escalator Production in 2025
The global escalator industry is evolving rapidly, with several trends influencing its trajectory:
- Smart Technology: IoT and AI integration, as seen in Hyundai’s MIRI-VIEW system, reduces downtime by 43% and enhances user experience.
- Sustainability: Manufacturers like KONE and Schindler lead with carbon-neutral production, 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: Aging infrastructure in developed regions like the UK drives modernization, with projects like Miami International Airport’s USD 12 million upgrade.
Data Table: Top 10 Countries by Escalator Production (Estimated 2025)
| Rank | Country | Production (Units) | Share of Global Production (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 420,000 | 70.0 |
| 2 | Japan | 28,000 | 4.7 |
| 3 | United States | 21,000 | 3.5 |
| 4 | Germany | 17,500 | 2.9 |
| 5 | Switzerland | 14,000 | 2.3 |
| 6 | Finland | 10,500 | 1.8 |
| 7 | South Korea | 8,400 | 1.4 |
| 8 | Thailand | 7,000 | 1.2 |
| 9 | Italy | 5,600 | 0.9 |
| 10 | United Kingdom | 4,900 | 0.8 |
Visualization: Escalator Production by Country
Block Quote: Industry Perspective
“Escalators are more than just transportation—they’re a cornerstone of modern urban infrastructure. The future lies in smart, sustainable designs that meet the demands of growing cities.”
Challenges and Opportunities
The escalator industry faces challenges such as stringent safety regulations and high operational costs. In Japan, 1,550 escalator injuries were reported between 2018 and 2019, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures. However, opportunities abound, particularly in smart city projects and modernization. The global modernization market is expected to double by 2030, with Asia-Pacific leading due to rapid urbanization. Emerging markets like Thailand and Southeast Asia, with projects like Hanoi’s 13 new metro lines by 2025, offer significant growth potential.
Countries like China and Japan set benchmarks in production scale, while Germany and Finland lead in sustainability. As urbanization continues, with the global population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the demand for efficient escalators will rise, driving further advancements in the industry.
Conclusion
In 2025, the global escalator industry reflects a dynamic blend of innovation, sustainability, and urban demand. China leads with its massive production capacity, while Japan and the United States drive technological advancements. European nations like Germany, Switzerland, and Finland excel in sustainable practices, and emerging players like Thailand and South Korea strengthen the market. As the industry navigates challenges like safety and cost, 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.
