Forkliftaction News published some information that may be useful back in 2011:
To find the article type "/news/newsdisplay.aspx?nwid=9504" at the end of our domain name.

According to the Industrial Truck Association (ITA), the American forklift industry peaked in 2006, with 208,000 units ordered, and then declined 11%, 28% and 55% in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. At the end of 2009, the industry began to see consistent month-to-month growth. The ITA said at its annual meeting in October 2010 that forklift orders were up 31% in that year to date compared to the same period in 2009. The association's members predict there will be orders for about 130,000 forklifts in the US this year.

I hope this helps!