Argentina imported nearly 40 per cent more forklifts in 2006 than 2005.

Figures from Argentinian marketing company Marketeck SA show 4,296 new forklifts were imported into Argentina in 2006, a 39 per cent jump from 2005's 3,086 forklifts. It was almost double 2004's 2,243 forklifts (Forkliftaction.com News #249).

The FOB value of the imports was USD77,532,000, up 49 per cent from 2005's USD51,998,429.

Imports of used trucks dropped 26 per cent from 1,277 forklifts in 2005 to 1,159 forklifts in 2006.

Marketeck president Henry Whitney said Argentina's forklift market size was traditionally 1,500 to 2,000 new forklifts a year. In 2005, the market swelled to 3,086 forklifts.

"First estimates for 2007 suggest another 4,000-truck year," Whitney said.

Marketeck SA analysed official Argentine Government customs statistics, processed by Tesys SRL and La Nación.