The China Machine-Building Association (CMBA) has predicted the country's machinery industry will grow 20% this year and continue with 15% or better growth in coming years.
CMBA vice president Cai Weici told Asia Pulse the industry grew 30% in 2003.
Gross industrial output, which includes materials handling equipment, motor vehicles and construction machinery, reached CNY1,539.338 billion (USD186.135 billion) in the first half of this year, up 31.24% on last year.
Output of forklifts and associated equipment rose 40%, but the exact monetary figure was not reported.
Cai attributed the high growth of the machinery industry to increased orders, a better business environment and improved production structures.