China's Construction Machinery Sector Reports Strong Growth in H1 2026

China's construction machinery industry experienced robust growth in the first half of 2026, driven by strong export performance and a rapid transition toward electric equipment. According to the China Construction Machinery Association, key enterprises saw double-digit revenue and R&D growth from January to May, while excavator and loader sales surged over 26% in the first six months. Notably, exports of electric loaders and excavators recorded triple-digit and double-digit growth, respectively, highlighting the sector's accelerating green transition and global expansion.

The construction machinery sector is a key economic barometer. Strong double-digit growth in sales, exports, and R&D spending in the first half of 2026 indicates robust industrial activity and successful global expansion, despite domestic macroeconomic transitions.

China's construction machinery industry demonstrated robust growth in the first half of 2026, characterized by rising export volumes, increased research and development (R&D) spending, and a rapid transition toward electrification. According to Su Zimeng, president of the China Construction Machinery Association (CCMA), speaking at a press conference for the BICES 2027 exhibition, the industry's primary economic indicators have maintained steady upward momentum. Data from the association's key contact enterprises showed a 16.1% year-on-year increase in operating revenue from January to May 2026, alongside a 13% year-on-year rise in R&D expenses. Physical sales of core machinery also saw substantial gains. From January to June 2026, major manufacturers sold 152,320 excavators, representing a 26.4% year-on-year increase. Loader sales reached 82,052 units during the same period, up 26.7% compared to the previous year. International trade played a pivotal role in driving this growth. Customs data compiled by the association revealed that China's total import and export trade volume for construction machinery reached $28.911 billion from January to May 2026, a 19.5% increase year-on-year. This growth was heavily lopsided toward exports, which rose 20.8% to $27.902 billion, while imports fell 7.44% to $1.009 billion. A key highlight of the industry's performance was the rapid adoption of new-energy machinery. In the first half of 2026, sales of electric loaders reached 25,445 units, an 82.4% year-on-year surge. Exports of electric loaders grew even faster, skyrocketing 172% to 1,643 units. Electric excavator sales also grew by 129% to 321 units, with exports rising 60.7% to 135 units. Additionally, the market share of electric forklifts, electric aerial work platforms, electric off-highway dump trucks, and electric concrete machinery continued to expand. Su attributed the sector's positive outlook to broader technological trends, noting that "machine replacement" (automation) and the integration of artificial intelligence are expanding the application boundaries of construction machinery.