The results of the annual Access Confidence Survey by Access International have been released, offering insights into how manufacturers and rental companies view the year 2026.
Over the past year, access equipment manufacturers and rental companies have faced a range of challenges. Intensifying market competition is just one of them. Additional pressure has come from tariffs on access equipment imported from China into Europe—on top of those already in place in the United States—as well as recent announcements by the Trump administration regarding tariffs on aluminum and steel.
These factors are compounded by economic difficulties in several developed manufacturing countries and ongoing geopolitical instability.
A key indicator in the survey is the Confidence Index, which asks participants to rate their business expectations for the next five years on a scale of up to 100. This year, the index fell to 62.2, its lowest level since 2018.
Overall forecasts from rental companies and manufacturers closely mirror last year’s survey results, when markets were similarly unstable. To find a clearly positive confidence level, one must look back to the 2022 survey, which reflected expectations for 2023.
Among rental companies, expectations for 2026 remain broadly unchanged from last year. Manufacturers, however, reported a slight decline in confidence—likely reflecting intense competition, not only from a growing number of Chinese manufacturers entering global markets, but also within China itself, where the access equipment sector has experienced a significant downturn.
Mixed Expectations Across the Market
When rental companies were asked whether they plan to invest in new equipment next year, responses were mixed. Slightly more companies than last year intend to expand their fleets, but the majority do not plan any equipment purchases in the coming year.
From the manufacturers’ perspective, 50% expect sales growth of 0–10% in 2026. Fewer respondents anticipate growth above 10%, while a larger share now expect sales declines compared to last year.
That said, performance varies significantly by region. Many emerging markets are experiencing growth, particularly in the Middle East and parts of Southeast Asia.
Expectations regarding equipment pricing in 2026 are more divided, likely reflecting differing business models among manufacturers worldwide.
Several respondents noted that 2025 has been a difficult year, with cautious sentiment extending into 2026. One participant summarized it as follows:
“2025 was very challenging, and it seems conditions may only start improving in the second quarter of 2026.”
A UK-based used equipment dealer commented:
“The global market has slowed significantly this year, with Europe suffering the most—likely due to the newly introduced Chinese tariffs.”
Another European respondent stated:
“The market is oversupplied. Too many manufacturers are dumping equipment.”
Similar views were expressed regarding North America, where uncertainty around tariffs and recession risks has weighed on business activity.
In Australia, rental rates have dropped sharply. One respondent noted that in Victoria, rental prices have fallen by up to 15%, reaching the lowest levels in nearly four decades.
Despite these challenges, positive trends remain. Eastern Europe stands out, where access equipment rental penetration is still relatively low, supporting continued growth. A respondent from Slovakia reported 5% growth in 2025, with expectations of 3–5% growth in 2026.
Even within mature European markets, performance varies. A Finnish rental company commented:
“2026 will be a very strong year thanks to large-scale projects such as data centers, hospitals, and other infrastructure developments in Finland.”
Similarly, mature markets in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Turkey continue to show solid growth. A respondent from Malaysia noted:
“Overall demand is expected to increase by 20–30% in 2026 compared to 2025.”
The access equipment sector benefits from the presence of both emerging and mature markets worldwide—creating strong long-term potential, even as competition intensifies in key growth regions.
Despite evident short-term challenges, the results of this year’s Access Confidence Survey point to a resilient and dynamic industry with significant potential for future development.