The Economic Impact of Material Handling: $266B and Growing
At the 2025 MHI Annual Conference, MHI and Oxford Economics unveiled their latest report, “Handling the US Economy: The Economic Impact of the Material Handling Industry.” It’s a deep dive into how this sector supports everything from supply chain infrastructure to job creation and tax revenue—and the numbers are impressive.
Big Growth Since 2018
Back in 2018, the industry contributed $173.2 billion to the U.S. GDP. Fast forward to 2024, and that number has jumped to $266 billion. The industry now supports over 1.9 million jobs and generates $58.3 billion in tax revenues.
The report also highlights two key multipliers:
- A GDP multiplier of 3.6, meaning every $100 directly contributed by the industry results in an additional $260 generated elsewhere.
- A jobs multiplier of 3.7, so for every 10 jobs created, another 27 are supported across the economy.
Who’s Behind the Numbers?
Employment in the sector is growing steadily. In 2024, the industry directly employed 502,000 workers, up from 402,000 in 2018. Manufacturers make up the bulk of that workforce at 84% with dealers and service providers rounding out the rest.
“This report highlights the essential role the material handling industry plays in driving economic growth,” said John Paxton, Chief Executive Officer of MHI. “Beyond providing the equipment and technology that moves and delivers goods, the industry provides valuable support services—including consulting, leasing, and design—that enhance efficiency and generate added value throughout the supply chain and the broader economy.”
The release of this report at the Annual Conference underscores MHI’s commitment to providing timely, data-driven insights that help industry professionals navigate a rapidly evolving supply chain landscape.
To download the report, please visit mhi.org/handling-the-us-economy-the-economic-impact-of-the-material-handling-industry.
