The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) has released its 35^th annual “What’s Hot/What’s Not: Equipment Market Forecast 2025,” delivering essential insights into the top-performing equipment markets for the year ahead. Based on input from ELFA members, this report provides a ranking of 15 critical equipment sectors, equipping industry leaders with data-driven intelligence to shape their strategies and seize emerging opportunities.

2025 Equipment Market Trends

According to the report, construction, machine tools, and medical equipment are the leading sectors, with construction claiming the top spot for the 12^th consecutive year. This year’s results show a renewed optimism in the equipment finance industry, driven by projected economic growth, easing regulations, and favorable interest rate trends.

Below are the rankings of equipment types based on portfolio preference and future financing opportunities (both weighted and unweighted):

1. Construction
2. Tie: Machine Tools, Medical Equipment
3. Oil/Gas/Energy Equipment
4. Tech/Computers
5. Marine/Intercoastal Equipment
6. Aircraft
7. Trucks/Trailers
8. Plastics Equipment
9. Rail Equipment
10. FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment)
11. Tie: Automobiles, Containers/Chassis, Telecom Equipment
    15. Printing Equipment

Key Findings: The continued dominance of construction equipment reflects robust demand for infrastructure projects, while medical equipment advances in rankings, driven by healthcare innovation and demographic trends.

Industry Insights

“This year’s findings underscore a revitalized outlook within the equipment finance sector,” said Leigh Lytle, President and CEO of ELFA. “The ‘What’s Hot/What’s Not’ report remains an essential tool for industry leaders aiming to adapt to changing economic conditions and market dynamics and make informed strategic decisions. By understanding equipment preferences and trends, businesses can position themselves to thrive in 2025 and beyond.”

Report Highlights

The “What’s Hot/What’s Not” report offers in-depth analysis, including:

• Portfolio Shifts: The best year-over-year improvement in preference came from trucks/trailers and oil/gas/energy, and the worst year-over-year changes were rail and containers/chassis.
• Economic Drivers: Expectations of an improving economy, combined with easing regulatory pressures, have bolstered confidence in the oil/gas/energy sector and other markets.
• Residual Analysis: Most equipment markets exhibited stable or improving sentiment, reflecting the industry’s adaptability to market dynamics and economic conditions.

Access the Full Report

The “What’s Hot/What’s Not” report is available exclusively to ELFA members via the ELFA Knowledge Hub. Members can explore the full industry rankings, detailed analysis of each equipment type, and key economic takeaways.