Source: China Construction Machinery Business Network

According to data from the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products, in the first half of 2026, China's total crane and hoisting machinery export value reached US$3.01 billion**, up 11.1% year-on-year, with export volume hitting **107,000 units**, a sharp 41.8% increase. In June alone, monthly exports stood at **US$577 million, with year-on-year growth of 24.3% – more than double the cumulative growth rate – indicating an accelerating upward trend in the sector's export performance.

Top 10 Export Destinations (by Value)

In the first half of the year, the top 10 countries/regions for Chinese crane exports were:

Saudi Arabia – $261M

India – $222M

Russia – $185M

UAE – $170M

Malaysia – $159M

Brazil – $141M

Indonesia – $128M

Vietnam – $121M

Nigeria – $92M

Kazakhstan – $89M

Together, these ten markets accounted for nearly 50% of total export value.

Regional Breakdown: Broad-Based Growth, Multi-Point Expansion, Clear Tiers

RCEP Bloc – Strongest Growth Engine, June Surge Exceeds 70%

Exports to other RCEP member countries reached $724 million, or 24.1% of the total, with cumulative growth of 67.7% year-on-year. In June, monthly growth hit 72.3%. Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam all ranked among the top 10 destinations. This surge is driven by a combination of policy dividends (RCEP rules of origin facilitating tariff reductions on mechanical products) and robust demand from major infrastructure projects – including Indonesia's new capital city development, large-scale Malaysian construction initiatives, and Vietnam's accelerating industrialization.

Africa, North America, and Oceania – High-Growth Markets with Strong Momentum

Africa: exports of $427M (14.2% share), up 35.2% year-on-year, fueled by mining investment recovery in West Africa and infrastructure project rollouts in East Africa.

North America: exports of $37M, soaring 150.4% cumulatively and 160.4% in June, signaling a sharp rebound.

Oceania: exports of $79M, up 31.9%, mainly driven by mining and construction renewal demand.

Europe & Latin America – Steady Expansion

Europe: exports of $379M (12.6% share), up 18.9%, with Russia ($185M) ranking third globally and serving as the region's pillar. Geopolitical shifts have created space for Chinese firms to fill gaps left by Western brands.

Latin America: exports of $346M (11.5% share), up just 2.3% – the slowest among all regions.

Asia – The Core Foundation, with Accelerating Recovery

As the largest export market, Asia accounted for $1.741 billion, or 57.9% of the total. Due to its large base, cumulative growth was a modest 4.8%, but June monthly growth jumped to 30.3% – well above the cumulative rate – showing clear demand recovery. Notably, 7 of the top 10 markets are in Asia or pan-Asian regions, underscoring Asia's role as the sector's export heartland.

Overall, all major regions posted positive cumulative export growth, and in June, every region recorded year-on-year increases, indicating broadening export recovery.

Notable Trend: "Volume Up, Price Down"

Over the past year, export prices for cranes and hoisting equipment have mostly declined year-on-year. However, this is not simply a price war – it reflects a structural shift in product mix.

The bulk of export growth now comes from light-duty, low-cost hoisting equipment with lower entry barriers, which has increased its market share significantly, pulling down the overall average export price. While price competition is a secondary factor, domestic crane utilization rates remain low, and overcapacity is pushing manufacturers – especially smaller players – to compete aggressively in emerging markets with low-price strategies.

Industry Signal: Price Hikes by Market Leaders

On July 1, XCMG and SANY – two leading Chinese manufacturers – raised prices across their full crane product lines by 2%–5%. This coordinated move signals a potential turning point from "low-price internal rivalry" toward "value-based competition."

However, whether the industry average price can stabilise and recover depends on three key variables:

Overcapacity in light-duty equipment: Can the excess supply be absorbed, and will smaller players follow with price hikes?

Product mix upgrade in high-volume markets (e.g., RCEP countries): Can China shift to higher-value equipment and avoid "more volume, less profit"?

Sustainability of global infrastructure and mining demand: Will it support strong performance in the second half of the year?

Outlook for H2 2026

As industry leaders implement price adjustments and the low-price competition gradually eases, China's crane exports are expected to continue their steady, high-quality growth trajectory in the second half of 2026. With sustained global infrastructure and mining demand, combined with strengthened substitution advantages for Chinese-made equipment, overseas market potential remains ample. Overall export growth is likely to maintain a high pace through year-end.