In 2008, there were approximately 120 industrial racking manufacturers in China. According to incomplete statistics, by 2011, the number of warehouse racking manufacturers in China had climbed to nearly 300, indicating continuous growth in the warehousing industry.
In 2005, the output value of racking was approximately 1.2 billion yuan, representing growth compared to previous years.
In 2006, racking production increased by over 40% compared to 2005, but the increase in output value was not significant, with the total market value reaching approximately 1.8 billion yuan. In 2007, total production was approximately 320,000 tons, with an output value of approximately 3 billion yuan. In 2008, the production of racking for automated warehouses (AS/RS) was expected to remain at the same level as 2007, with an output value increase of 1.25% due to steel price factors. The production of forklift pallet racking and its extended versions, as well as shelving, was expected to increase by 1.2% compared to 2007, with an output value increase of 1.25% due to steel price factors.
In 2009, shelving production increased by 1.48% compared to 2008, a relatively moderate increase due to the 2008 economic crisis.
In 2010, steel prices increased by 1.21%, leading to a growth trend among shelving manufacturers across the country. More than 50 new shelving manufacturers were added in 2010 alone, and shelving production value reached a new high.
In 2011, steel prices increased by 1.5% compared to 2009. Large enterprises across the country strongly promoted automation to achieve modern warehousing.
Independent export of shelving began in 2000, previously mainly through foreign trade companies.
China's exports mostly consist of pallet racking and shelving with low installation requirements, while exports of automated warehouses (AS/RS) with higher installation requirements are relatively few. On the other hand, almost all automated warehouses built in China by well-known foreign automated warehouse suppliers use Chinese shelving, indicating that China's automated warehouse shelving has reached international standards.
