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Market Overview

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The construction equipment market in Portugal is projected to surpass $1 billion by 2028, up from $980 million in 2021, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 5% during the period from 2021 to 2028. In terms of volume, it is expected that Portugal’s construction equipment market will reach 13,572 units by 2028. The Earthmoving segment dominates the market, and among the earthmoving equipment, excavators had the largest market share in 2021. This can be attributed to increased investment in infrastructure as part of the national development plan for 2030, leading to a surge in civil engineering and housing projects. The demand for construction equipment in Portugal is expected to exhibit steady growth throughout the forecast period, driven by government investments in infrastructure, real estate, and the transportation industry under the National Development Plan 2030. Specifically, investments in real estate and public infrastructure are anticipated to fuel the demand for earthmoving equipment like excavators and loaders. Additionally, the manufacturing sector is expected to perform well due to government investments in transport infrastructure aimed at facilitating the efficient movement of raw materials and final goods.

In 2021, the Portuguese government intensified its investment in public infrastructure, particularly in the areas of transportation and renewable energy. Over the next decade, there is a planned investment of $26.2 billion to upgrade the renewable energy industry. Furthermore, increased government investment in warehouse and logistics infrastructure has contributed to the growth of the logistics and e-commerce sectors in the country. The expansion of the E-commerce industry, along with the rise in construction projects and renewable energy initiatives, has had a positive impact on the demand for construction equipment in Portugal. Moreover, recycling and waste management activities in the country are expected to grow by over 6% in 2021, with a target to recycle 65% of waste by 2035. This has resulted in an increased demand for medium-sized excavators that are well-suited for recycling activities due to their lightweight and high swing speed.

In 2020, Portugal’s economy contracted by 7.6% due to the significant decline in tourism and exports resulting from government-imposed lockdown measures. The construction and manufacturing industries experienced declines of 3.9% and 10.9%, respectively.

However, in 2021, the country’s economy rebounded with a growth rate of 4%, driven by increased government investment in infrastructure and the resilient performance of the construction industry. The real estate and housing sectors also experienced growth, while exports surged by 8.1% due to increased foreign demand. The European Commission projects a growth rate of 5.8% for Portugal’s economy in 2022. As part of the country’s recovery efforts, the European Union granted $14.8 billion under the Portugal Recovery & Resilience Plan. In addition, the government announced a $43.5 billion investment in infrastructure development across the country in 2021.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Portugal increased by 38% in 2021, with the manufacturing and service industries attracting the highest inflows. The northern and Lisbon regions of the country accounted for more than 80% of FDI. France, Germany, and the UK were among the European countries that invested in Portugal’s economy in 2021. The renewable energy sector is expected to experience significant growth in 2022, particularly with ongoing solar projects in Porto and Mertola City.

To further enhance public infrastructure, the Portuguese government unveiled plans in 2021 to invest $45.1 billion, including the construction of a high-speed railway linking Lisbon and Porto. This project, estimated to cost $4.7 billion, is scheduled for completion by 2030. Government investments are primarily focused on the transport and energy sectors, with $22.7 billion allocated to transportation projects and $13.7 billion directed towards clean energy initiatives.

In 2022, public infrastructure projects are underway, funded by the national budget, European Union funds, and private investments. The European Union granted $14.5 billion under the Portugal Recovery Resilience (PRR) plan in the second half of 2021. The construction of residential buildings is projected to grow by 5.5%, maintaining a competitive position in the real estate market. The civil engineering segment, expected to be the most dynamic in 2022, is forecasted to grow by 7.5%.

The surge in government investment in logistics infrastructure, the growing e-commerce sector, and the increase in exports have all positively impacted Portugal’s logistics and warehousing market. The government is investing in the upgrade and expansion of major ports such as Leixos and Sines in 2022. Portugal’s exports are anticipated to grow by 22% in 2022.

Regarding renewable energy, Portugal aims to increase its production from 20% in 2021 to 80% by 2026. To achieve this goal, the government announced plans to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydro. Over the next decade, $26.2 billion will be invested in upgrading the renewable energy industry. Furthermore, Portugal has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and relying solely on renewable energy resources for electricity production. In 2022, the country closed two coal-fired plants and replaced them with hydroelectric and onshore wind parks, which collectively represent approximately 83% of the capacity of the decommissioned coal plants.

According to the Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE), the cost of new housing construction is expected to increase by 7% in 2021. This overall increase is attributed to higher prices of materials and labor, which rose by 8% and 5.1%, respectively, in the same year.

However, in 2022, the prices of building materials and commodities experienced a significant uptick of 18% due to a mismatch between supply and demand. Steel concrete rods saw a price increase of 54%, while aluminum and copper prices rose by 61% and 47%, respectively. These price hikes are expected to have adverse effects on the demand for new housing in the country.

In view of environmental concerns, some activists are urging the government to conduct environmental impact studies on lithium extraction projects. Consequently, the Portuguese government has introduced green mining technology as an environmentally-friendly alternative that reduces carbon emissions during extraction. The adoption of green mining practices may stimulate the demand for electric construction equipment in Portugal.

Additionally, the Portuguese government has been emphasizing recycling and waste management processes in 2021. Packaging recycling increased by 6.4% compared to the previous year, and the government aims to achieve recycling targets of 55% by 2025, 60% by 2030, and 65% by 2035. Recycling plants are located in the Lisbon and Porto regions, and as recycling and waste management activities continue to rise across the country, there has been increased demand for medium-sized excavators. To meet this demand, Hitachi Construction Machinery (HCE) introduced the ZX300LCN-6 excavator in the Portugal market, specifically designed for recycling work.

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Market Segmentation

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The market is segmented based on various factors, including type and end user.

Segmentation by Type
Earthmoving Equipment – Excavator, Backhoe Loaders, Motor Graders, Other Earthmoving Equipment (Other loaders, Bulldozers, Trenchers)
Material Handling Equipment – Crane, Forklift & Telescopic Handlers, Aerial Platforms (Articulated Boom Lifts, Telescopic Boom lifts, Scissor lifts)
Road Construction Equipment – Road Rollers, Asphalt Pavers

Segmentation by End Users
Construction
Manufacturing
Mining
Others

In 2021, the earthmoving equipment segment held the largest market share of 51.9% within the overall construction equipment market in Portugal. It is anticipated that by 2028, this segment will reach approximately 7,492 units, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.67%. The demand for earthmoving equipment is further supported by government investments under the national development plan 2030.

Additionally, the construction equipment used in the construction industry end-user segment accounted for 58.9% of the total market share in 2021. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.56% and reach around 8,442 units by 2028. The Portugal government has outlined plans to invest approximately $7 billion in the construction of roads, railway lines, airports, and public utilities as part of the national development plan 2030.

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Competitive Landscape

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In 2021, the market leaders in the construction machinery industry, namely Hitachi Construction Machinery, Caterpillar, Komatsu, and Liebherr, collectively held a market share of 23.1%.

The Portugal construction equipment market also comprises prominent vendors such as Hitachi Construction Machinery, Caterpillar, Komatsu, Kobelco, Hyundai Construction Equipment, JCB, Liebherr, and Volvo Construction Equipment.

Furthermore, other notable vendors operating in the market include Liu Gong, Yanmar, Case Construction Equipment, and Terex Corporation.

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Key Questions Answered

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WHAT IS THE GROWTH RATE OF THE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT MARKET IN PORTUGAL?

The construction equipment market in Portugal is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.21% during the period from 2022 to 2028.

WHO ARE THE KEY PLAYERS IN THE PORTUGAL CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY MARKET?

The key players in the Portugal construction machinery market include Volvo, Caterpillar, Hitachi, Liebherr, JCB, Hyundai Construction Equipment, and Kobelco.

WHAT ARE THE MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR PLAYERS IN THE PORTUGAL CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY?

The players in the Portugal construction equipment industry have opportunities such as a surge in government investment in infrastructure and transport for economic recovery, as well as a shifting focus toward renewable energy resources, which supports the demand for construction equipment.

HOW MUCH CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT WILL BE SOLD IN PORTUGAL IN 2028?

According to the research, it is estimated that around 13,572 units of construction equipment will be sold in Portugal in 2028.

WHAT IS THE ESTIMATED VALUE OF THE PORTUGAL CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT MARKET?

The Portugal construction equipment market had an estimated value of USD 981.6 million in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 1.3 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 5.21% during the period from 2022 to 2028.