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The ripples in the global commodities market are being precisely transmitted through the supply chain to the final price of every forklift. Steel, rubber, copper, aluminum, and semiconductors—these key raw materials that form the "blood and flesh" of a forklift—are creating a cost-control storm in the manufacturing industry.

1. The "Rising Chorus" of Core Raw Materials

• Steel: As the core material for frames and masts, its price fluctuations have the greatest impact on vehicle cost.

• Rubber: Tire prices are under continuous pressure from both natural rubber and oil prices.

• Semiconductors: The "brains" of modern smart forklifts. Despite slowing demand in consumer electronics, supply constraints and cost issues for industrial-grade chips persist.

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2. Manufacturer Counterstrategies: Innovation and Supply Chain Reshaping
Under pressure, leading forklift manufacturers are adopting multi-pronged strategies:

1. Lightweight Design: Reducing material usage while maintaining load capacity through structural optimization and the use of high-strength steel.

2. Finding Alternative Materials: Exploring substitutes like engineering plastics for non-critical structural components.

3. Vertical Integration: Some large companies are acquiring or building their own factories for core components (e.g., motors, controllers) to control costs and ensure supply chain security.

4. Value Competition: Shifting from pure price wars to offering overall value, including after-sales service and fleet management systems, to offset the impact of rising material costs.

3. Advice for Buyers
For businesses planning to purchase forklifts, solely pursuing the lowest quote may lead to delivery delays or quality risks. Now might be a good time to consider long-term partnerships and frame agreements, or flexible options like leasing and used equipment to mitigate the risks of raw material volatility.

Conclusion: The "butterfly" in the raw materials market flaps its wings, eventually creating a hurricane in the end-user market. Understanding the origins of this storm is key to navigating it steadily.