China's engineering machinery industry delivered a strong performance in the first half of 2026, with both domestic and export sales exceeding expectations and electric equipment emerging as a major growth driver, according to data released by the China Construction Machinery Association.
The association reported that 12 major product categories recorded cumulative sales of 1.2575 million units in the first half of the year, up 18.3% year-on-year. Among these, ten product categories posted positive growth, with excavators rising 26.4% to 152,320 units and loaders climbing 26.7% to 82,052 units. Quarterly data reveals accelerating momentum — first-quarter sales grew 14.4%, while second-quarter sales surged 21.9%.
Domestic demand remained resilient, driven by the equipment replacement cycle. Machines sold during the 2016–2018 peak are now reaching the end of their economic lifespan, creating a concentrated renewal window. As the first year of the "15th Five-Year Plan" period, 2026 has also seen major infrastructure projects pulling substantial equipment orders.
Export markets delivered even more impressive results. June excavator exports reached 14,547 units, setting a new single-month record. According to customs data, first-half engineering machinery exports totaled $34.373 billion, up 21.7% year-on-year. Africa and Latin America emerged as the fastest-growing destinations, with export values surging 58% and 81% respectively in May. Notably, approximately 75% of excavator demand in Africa originates from the mining sector, positioning the continent as a new growth engine for Chinese machinery exports.
Electrification is reshaping the industry landscape. Electric loaders sold 25,445 units in the first half, up 82.4% year-on-year, with exports soaring 172% to 1,643 units. Domestic electric loader penetration has exceeded 50%, with June alone reaching over 60%. Electric excavators, while still a smaller segment at 321 units, grew 129% year-on-year.
Industry analysts view the momentum as sustainable, driven by three converging forces: domestic replacement demand, overseas market expansion, and accelerating electrification.
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