GITNUXREPORT 2026

Pallet Manufacturing Industry Statistics

The global wooden pallet market is large, growing steadily, and dominated by the logistics sector.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

U.S. pallet industry employs 200,000 workers directly in 2023.

Statistic 2

Average hourly wage for pallet manufacturing workers $18.50 in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 3

U.S. pallet plants total 1,800 facilities employing 45,000 FTEs.

Statistic 4

Labor productivity in pallet manufacturing up 2.1% YoY to $250k per worker.

Statistic 5

65% of U.S. pallet workforce in production roles, 2023.

Statistic 6

Turnover rate in pallet manufacturing industry 28% annually.

Statistic 7

Europe pallet sector employs 150,000 workers across 5,000 firms.

Statistic 8

U.S. pallet sawmills employ 25,000, supplying industry.

Statistic 9

Average pallet plant workforce size 25 employees.

Statistic 10

Female representation in pallet manufacturing 15% U.S.

Statistic 11

Unionized workforce 12% in U.S. pallet industry.

Statistic 12

Training hours per pallet worker 40 annually.

Statistic 13

Injury rate in pallet manufacturing 3.2 per 100 workers OSHA 2023.

Statistic 14

China pallet manufacturing workforce 500,000+

Statistic 15

Overtime hours average 5 per week in peak U.S. pallet seasons.

Statistic 16

Brazil pallet industry jobs 30,000 direct.

Statistic 17

Skill gap in automation leads to 10% vacancy rate U.S. plants.

Statistic 18

Average age of pallet workers 44 years U.S.

Statistic 19

India pallet sector employs 100,000 informal workers.

Statistic 20

Benefits coverage 75% of U.S. pallet employees.

Statistic 21

Mexico pallet manufacturing 20,000 jobs 2023.

Statistic 22

Remote monitoring roles up 8% in pallet firms.

Statistic 23

Canada pallet workforce 12,000 FTEs.

Statistic 24

Entry-level pallet assembler wage $15.20/hr U.S.

Statistic 25

Australia pallet industry 5,000 employees.

Statistic 26

Forklift operators 20% of pallet plant staff.

Statistic 27

The global wooden pallet market size was valued at USD 7.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2023 to 2030.

Statistic 28

U.S. pallet market revenue reached $10.5 billion in 2023, driven by e-commerce logistics demand.

Statistic 29

The plastic pallet market is projected to reach $4.8 billion by 2028, growing at 7.2% CAGR due to sustainability trends.

Statistic 30

North American pallet industry generated $12.3 billion in sales in 2022.

Statistic 31

Global pallet market expected to hit $95 billion by 2030, with wooden pallets holding 75% share.

Statistic 32

U.S. pallet demand increased by 4.5% YoY in 2023 to 1.2 billion units.

Statistic 33

European pallet market valued at €8.5 billion in 2023, CAGR 5.8% forecast to 2029.

Statistic 34

Asia-Pacific pallet market grew 8.2% in 2023, reaching $25 billion.

Statistic 35

Recycled pallet segment market size hit $2.1 billion in 2022, up 9%.

Statistic 36

U.S. pallet manufacturing industry CAGR projected at 3.7% through 2028.

Statistic 37

Global pallet pool market valued at $3.4 billion in 2023.

Statistic 38

Wooden pallet demand in U.S. logistics sector rose 5.2% to 800 million units in 2023.

Statistic 39

Plastic pallet market in Europe expected to grow from €1.2B in 2023 to €1.8B by 2030.

Statistic 40

Total U.S. pallet production value $11.8 billion in 2024 forecast.

Statistic 41

Global smart pallet market nascent at $150 million in 2023, CAGR 25% to 2030.

Statistic 42

Canadian pallet market size $1.4 billion in 2023, growth 4.1%.

Statistic 43

Latin America pallet market projected $4.2 billion by 2027, CAGR 6.5%.

Statistic 44

U.S. export pallet market share 12% of total, valued $1.3 billion 2023.

Statistic 45

Middle East pallet market growing at 7.8% CAGR to $1.1B by 2029.

Statistic 46

Australian pallet industry revenue AUD 850 million in 2023.

Statistic 47

Global pallet rental market $2.7 billion 2023, up 11% YoY.

Statistic 48

U.S. pallet market dominated by wooden at 92% share, $9.7B in 2023.

Statistic 49

Africa pallet market forecast $900 million by 2028, CAGR 5.9%.

Statistic 50

Indian pallet market $1.5 billion 2023, growth 10.2%.

Statistic 51

UK pallet manufacturing turnover £650 million in 2023.

Statistic 52

Brazil pallet market size BRL 2.8 billion 2023.

Statistic 53

China pallet production market $30 billion, 40% global share 2023.

Statistic 54

Mexico pallet industry $950 million 2023, CAGR 4.8%.

Statistic 55

Southeast Asia pallet market $3.2 billion 2023.

Statistic 56

Global pallet market CAGR 6.4% 2024-2032 forecast.

Statistic 57

U.S. pallet manufacturing output reached 775 million units in 2023.

Statistic 58

Global wooden pallet production totaled 2.1 billion units annually as of 2022.

Statistic 59

U.S. recycled pallet production 550 million units in 2023, 70% of total.

Statistic 60

China produced 850 million wooden pallets in 2023.

Statistic 61

Europe EPAL pallet production 120 million units per year.

Statistic 62

U.S. plastic pallet production 45 million units in 2023.

Statistic 63

Average U.S. pallet plant capacity utilization 82% in 2023.

Statistic 64

Global pallet production growth 3.8% YoY in 2023.

Statistic 65

U.S. stringer pallet production 420 million units 2023.

Statistic 66

Block pallet production in Europe 95 million units annually.

Statistic 67

India pallet manufacturing output 180 million units 2023.

Statistic 68

U.S. new pallet production 225 million units, down 2% from 2022.

Statistic 69

Brazil wooden pallet production 150 million units yearly.

Statistic 70

Average daily pallet production per U.S. plant 2,500 units in 2023.

Statistic 71

Canada pallet output 95 million units 2023.

Statistic 72

Mexico pallet manufacturing 110 million units annually.

Statistic 73

Australia pallet production 25 million units per year.

Statistic 74

Global plastic pallet production 320 million units 2023.

Statistic 75

U.S. GMA pallet spec production 300 million units 2023.

Statistic 76

UK pallet manufacturing 45 million units yearly.

Statistic 77

Southeast Asia pallet production 400 million units 2023.

Statistic 78

Recovered pallet processing in U.S. 600 million units 2023.

Statistic 79

German pallet factories produced 80 million units 2023.

Statistic 80

South Korea pallet output 90 million units annually.

Statistic 81

U.S. pallet sawmill input 15 billion board feet lumber 2023.

Statistic 82

France pallet production 55 million units per year.

Statistic 83

Turkey pallet manufacturing 70 million units 2023.

Statistic 84

Poland wooden pallet export production 120 million units.

Statistic 85

Global pallet manufacturing plants number 15,000+ in 2023.

Statistic 86

U.S. pallet exports from 15 major ports $1.2B value 2023.

Statistic 87

China exported 300 million pallets worth $2.5B in 2023.

Statistic 88

U.S. pallet imports primarily from Canada 60% share.

Statistic 89

Europe intra-trade EPAL pallets 80 million units annually.

Statistic 90

Poland pallet exports to EU $800M 2023.

Statistic 91

Mexico pallet trade with U.S. $450M bilateral 2023.

Statistic 92

Asia-Pacific pallet exports grew 12% to $10B 2023.

Statistic 93

Brazil pallet exports to South America 50 million units.

Statistic 94

Germany pallet trade balance surplus €500M.

Statistic 95

U.S. top pallet export destinations: Mexico 40%, Canada 30%.

Statistic 96

India pallet imports $200M mainly plastic from China.

Statistic 97

Turkey pallet exports to Middle East $150M 2023.

Statistic 98

Canada pallet exports to U.S. 70 million units yearly.

Statistic 99

Southeast Asia pallet trade intra-regional 65%.

Statistic 100

UK pallet imports post-Brexit up 15% €120M.

Statistic 101

Australia pallet imports from Asia $80M annually.

Statistic 102

Vietnam pallet exports surged 25% to $100M 2023.

Statistic 103

EU pallet tariff barriers reduced trade 5%.

Statistic 104

South Korea pallet exports to U.S. $50M 2023.

Statistic 105

Africa pallet imports dependency 90% external.

Statistic 106

France pallet exports €300M mainly to Africa.

Statistic 107

Global pallet trade volume 1.5 billion units 2023.

Statistic 108

Italy pallet manufacturing exports €400M to EU.

Statistic 109

Russia pallet trade disrupted, exports down 40%.

Statistic 110

Thailand pallet exports $120M SEA focus.

Statistic 111

U.S. pallet trade deficit $300M with Asia.

Statistic 112

Spain pallet exports 40 million units €250M.

Statistic 113

Indonesia pallet production for export 60 million units.

Statistic 114

Netherlands pallet transshipment hub 200M units.

Statistic 115

Argentina pallet trade Mercosur $90M.

Statistic 116

Middle East pallet imports $400M UAE dominant.

Statistic 117

U.S. pallet industry recycled 99% of pallets used in 2023.

Statistic 118

Wooden pallets account for 90% of U.S. pallet usage, with 75% oak hardwood.

Statistic 119

Global pallet recycling rate 95% for wooden pallets in Europe.

Statistic 120

Plastic pallets reduce CO2 emissions by 62% vs wooden over lifecycle.

Statistic 121

U.S. pallet industry diverts 1.8 billion pallets from landfills annually.

Statistic 122

70% of U.S. pallets made from recycled or reclaimed lumber.

Statistic 123

EPAL pallets use sustainably managed FSC-certified wood.

Statistic 124

Plastic pallet material primarily HDPE, 100% recyclable.

Statistic 125

U.S. pallet fuel use for transport 20% less for plastic vs wood.

Statistic 126

Biodegradable pallet trials using agricultural waste 15% market potential.

Statistic 127

European pallet heat treatment ISPM15 compliance 98%.

Statistic 128

U.S. hardwood pallet lumber from sustainable forests 85%.

Statistic 129

Molded pulp pallets water usage 50% less than wood production.

Statistic 130

Global pallet carbon footprint reduced 12% since 2018 via recycling.

Statistic 131

Composite pallets use 60% recycled plastic content.

Statistic 132

U.S. pallet industry kiln-dried lumber energy efficiency up 18%.

Statistic 133

Pressed wood pallets zero waste production process.

Statistic 134

Bamboo pallets CO2 absorption 30% higher lifecycle.

Statistic 135

EU pallet regulations drive 40% recycled content mandate.

Statistic 136

U.S. pallet nail recycling 500 million lbs annually.

Statistic 137

Metal pallets 100% recyclable, infinite life cycle.

Statistic 138

Global pallet waste generation 5% of total wood waste.

Statistic 139

Certified sustainable pallets sales up 25% in 2023.

Statistic 140

U.S. pallet water consumption 2.5 gallons per pallet produced.

Statistic 141

Corrugated cardboard pallets 100% recyclable, zero trees.

Statistic 142

Pallet industry GHG emissions 1.2 million tons CO2e annually U.S.

Statistic 143

85% of U.S. pallets repaired before reuse.

Statistic 144

Engineered wood pallets use 20% less material.

1/144

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It might surprise you to learn that the humble pallet, silently shouldering the world's supply chains, is at the center of a massive global industry projected to reach $95 billion by 2030.

Key Takeaways

The global wooden pallet market size was valued at USD 7.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2023 to 2030.
U.S. pallet market revenue reached $10.5 billion in 2023, driven by e-commerce logistics demand.
The plastic pallet market is projected to reach $4.8 billion by 2028, growing at 7.2% CAGR due to sustainability trends.
U.S. pallet manufacturing output reached 775 million units in 2023.
Global wooden pallet production totaled 2.1 billion units annually as of 2022.
U.S. recycled pallet production 550 million units in 2023, 70% of total.
U.S. pallet industry recycled 99% of pallets used in 2023.
Wooden pallets account for 90% of U.S. pallet usage, with 75% oak hardwood.
Global pallet recycling rate 95% for wooden pallets in Europe.
U.S. pallet industry employs 200,000 workers directly in 2023.
Average hourly wage for pallet manufacturing workers $18.50 in U.S. 2023.
U.S. pallet plants total 1,800 facilities employing 45,000 FTEs.
U.S. pallet exports from 15 major ports $1.2B value 2023.
China exported 300 million pallets worth $2.5B in 2023.
U.S. pallet imports primarily from Canada 60% share.

The global wooden pallet market is large, growing steadily, and dominated by the logistics sector.

Employment and Labor

U.S. pallet industry employs 200,000 workers directly in 2023.
Average hourly wage for pallet manufacturing workers $18.50 in U.S. 2023.
U.S. pallet plants total 1,800 facilities employing 45,000 FTEs.
Labor productivity in pallet manufacturing up 2.1% YoY to $250k per worker.
65% of U.S. pallet workforce in production roles, 2023.
Turnover rate in pallet manufacturing industry 28% annually.
Europe pallet sector employs 150,000 workers across 5,000 firms.
U.S. pallet sawmills employ 25,000, supplying industry.
Average pallet plant workforce size 25 employees.
Female representation in pallet manufacturing 15% U.S.
Unionized workforce 12% in U.S. pallet industry.
Training hours per pallet worker 40 annually.
Injury rate in pallet manufacturing 3.2 per 100 workers OSHA 2023.
China pallet manufacturing workforce 500,000+
Overtime hours average 5 per week in peak U.S. pallet seasons.
Brazil pallet industry jobs 30,000 direct.
Skill gap in automation leads to 10% vacancy rate U.S. plants.
Average age of pallet workers 44 years U.S.
India pallet sector employs 100,000 informal workers.
Benefits coverage 75% of U.S. pallet employees.
Mexico pallet manufacturing 20,000 jobs 2023.
Remote monitoring roles up 8% in pallet firms.
Canada pallet workforce 12,000 FTEs.
Entry-level pallet assembler wage $15.20/hr U.S.
Australia pallet industry 5,000 employees.
Forklift operators 20% of pallet plant staff.

Employment and Labor Interpretation

While the pallet industry proudly stacks up to 200,000 U.S. jobs and rising productivity, it's nervously balancing a wobbly load of high turnover, an aging workforce, and a stubborn skill gap, all held together with modest wages and duct tape.

Market Size and Growth

The global wooden pallet market size was valued at USD 7.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2023 to 2030.
U.S. pallet market revenue reached $10.5 billion in 2023, driven by e-commerce logistics demand.
The plastic pallet market is projected to reach $4.8 billion by 2028, growing at 7.2% CAGR due to sustainability trends.
North American pallet industry generated $12.3 billion in sales in 2022.
Global pallet market expected to hit $95 billion by 2030, with wooden pallets holding 75% share.
U.S. pallet demand increased by 4.5% YoY in 2023 to 1.2 billion units.
European pallet market valued at €8.5 billion in 2023, CAGR 5.8% forecast to 2029.
Asia-Pacific pallet market grew 8.2% in 2023, reaching $25 billion.
Recycled pallet segment market size hit $2.1 billion in 2022, up 9%.
U.S. pallet manufacturing industry CAGR projected at 3.7% through 2028.
Global pallet pool market valued at $3.4 billion in 2023.
Wooden pallet demand in U.S. logistics sector rose 5.2% to 800 million units in 2023.
Plastic pallet market in Europe expected to grow from €1.2B in 2023 to €1.8B by 2030.
Total U.S. pallet production value $11.8 billion in 2024 forecast.
Global smart pallet market nascent at $150 million in 2023, CAGR 25% to 2030.
Canadian pallet market size $1.4 billion in 2023, growth 4.1%.
Latin America pallet market projected $4.2 billion by 2027, CAGR 6.5%.
U.S. export pallet market share 12% of total, valued $1.3 billion 2023.
Middle East pallet market growing at 7.8% CAGR to $1.1B by 2029.
Australian pallet industry revenue AUD 850 million in 2023.
Global pallet rental market $2.7 billion 2023, up 11% YoY.
U.S. pallet market dominated by wooden at 92% share, $9.7B in 2023.
Africa pallet market forecast $900 million by 2028, CAGR 5.9%.
Indian pallet market $1.5 billion 2023, growth 10.2%.
UK pallet manufacturing turnover £650 million in 2023.
Brazil pallet market size BRL 2.8 billion 2023.
China pallet production market $30 billion, 40% global share 2023.
Mexico pallet industry $950 million 2023, CAGR 4.8%.
Southeast Asia pallet market $3.2 billion 2023.
Global pallet market CAGR 6.4% 2024-2032 forecast.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

While the world is busy building fancier supply chains, it remains fundamentally propped up by an unglamorous army of wooden workhorses, which continue to haul the lion's share of global commerce even as flashier plastic, recycled, and smart pallets nip at their heels.

Production Statistics

U.S. pallet manufacturing output reached 775 million units in 2023.
Global wooden pallet production totaled 2.1 billion units annually as of 2022.
U.S. recycled pallet production 550 million units in 2023, 70% of total.
China produced 850 million wooden pallets in 2023.
Europe EPAL pallet production 120 million units per year.
U.S. plastic pallet production 45 million units in 2023.
Average U.S. pallet plant capacity utilization 82% in 2023.
Global pallet production growth 3.8% YoY in 2023.
U.S. stringer pallet production 420 million units 2023.
Block pallet production in Europe 95 million units annually.
India pallet manufacturing output 180 million units 2023.
U.S. new pallet production 225 million units, down 2% from 2022.
Brazil wooden pallet production 150 million units yearly.
Average daily pallet production per U.S. plant 2,500 units in 2023.
Canada pallet output 95 million units 2023.
Mexico pallet manufacturing 110 million units annually.
Australia pallet production 25 million units per year.
Global plastic pallet production 320 million units 2023.
U.S. GMA pallet spec production 300 million units 2023.
UK pallet manufacturing 45 million units yearly.
Southeast Asia pallet production 400 million units 2023.
Recovered pallet processing in U.S. 600 million units 2023.
German pallet factories produced 80 million units 2023.
South Korea pallet output 90 million units annually.
U.S. pallet sawmill input 15 billion board feet lumber 2023.
France pallet production 55 million units per year.
Turkey pallet manufacturing 70 million units 2023.
Poland wooden pallet export production 120 million units.
Global pallet manufacturing plants number 15,000+ in 2023.

Production Statistics Interpretation

While the world is quietly united on a foundation of roughly two billion wooden pallets per year—with the U.S. expertly balancing a massive new and recycled fleet like a seasoned logistics DJ—it's clear our global economy literally runs on these humble, indispensable platforms.

Regional Distribution and Trade

U.S. pallet exports from 15 major ports $1.2B value 2023.
China exported 300 million pallets worth $2.5B in 2023.
U.S. pallet imports primarily from Canada 60% share.
Europe intra-trade EPAL pallets 80 million units annually.
Poland pallet exports to EU $800M 2023.
Mexico pallet trade with U.S. $450M bilateral 2023.
Asia-Pacific pallet exports grew 12% to $10B 2023.
Brazil pallet exports to South America 50 million units.
Germany pallet trade balance surplus €500M.
U.S. top pallet export destinations: Mexico 40%, Canada 30%.
India pallet imports $200M mainly plastic from China.
Turkey pallet exports to Middle East $150M 2023.
Canada pallet exports to U.S. 70 million units yearly.
Southeast Asia pallet trade intra-regional 65%.
UK pallet imports post-Brexit up 15% €120M.
Australia pallet imports from Asia $80M annually.
Vietnam pallet exports surged 25% to $100M 2023.
EU pallet tariff barriers reduced trade 5%.
South Korea pallet exports to U.S. $50M 2023.
Africa pallet imports dependency 90% external.
France pallet exports €300M mainly to Africa.
Global pallet trade volume 1.5 billion units 2023.
Italy pallet manufacturing exports €400M to EU.
Russia pallet trade disrupted, exports down 40%.
Thailand pallet exports $120M SEA focus.
U.S. pallet trade deficit $300M with Asia.
Spain pallet exports 40 million units €250M.
Indonesia pallet production for export 60 million units.
Netherlands pallet transshipment hub 200M units.
Argentina pallet trade Mercosur $90M.
Middle East pallet imports $400M UAE dominant.

Regional Distribution and Trade Interpretation

While the U.S. and China are busy measuring pallet prowess in billions, the real story is a global game of wooden logistics chess where every continent has a strategic move, from Europe’s standardized empire to a world still mostly shipping on slabs it didn't grow.

Sustainability and Materials

U.S. pallet industry recycled 99% of pallets used in 2023.
Wooden pallets account for 90% of U.S. pallet usage, with 75% oak hardwood.
Global pallet recycling rate 95% for wooden pallets in Europe.
Plastic pallets reduce CO2 emissions by 62% vs wooden over lifecycle.
U.S. pallet industry diverts 1.8 billion pallets from landfills annually.
70% of U.S. pallets made from recycled or reclaimed lumber.
EPAL pallets use sustainably managed FSC-certified wood.
Plastic pallet material primarily HDPE, 100% recyclable.
U.S. pallet fuel use for transport 20% less for plastic vs wood.
Biodegradable pallet trials using agricultural waste 15% market potential.
European pallet heat treatment ISPM15 compliance 98%.
U.S. hardwood pallet lumber from sustainable forests 85%.
Molded pulp pallets water usage 50% less than wood production.
Global pallet carbon footprint reduced 12% since 2018 via recycling.
Composite pallets use 60% recycled plastic content.
U.S. pallet industry kiln-dried lumber energy efficiency up 18%.
Pressed wood pallets zero waste production process.
Bamboo pallets CO2 absorption 30% higher lifecycle.
EU pallet regulations drive 40% recycled content mandate.
U.S. pallet nail recycling 500 million lbs annually.
Metal pallets 100% recyclable, infinite life cycle.
Global pallet waste generation 5% of total wood waste.
Certified sustainable pallets sales up 25% in 2023.
U.S. pallet water consumption 2.5 gallons per pallet produced.
Corrugated cardboard pallets 100% recyclable, zero trees.
Pallet industry GHG emissions 1.2 million tons CO2e annually U.S.
85% of U.S. pallets repaired before reuse.
Engineered wood pallets use 20% less material.

Sustainability and Materials Interpretation

The pallet industry, in a surprisingly elegant loop of reuse, manages to be both the quiet backbone of global logistics and its own most diligent recycler, turning yesterday's shipping platform into tomorrow's with an efficiency that would make Mother Nature nod in respect.

Sources & References

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