title: "H1 Trade Volume of $35.6 Billion: Three Core Data Sets Decoding the Construction Machinery Industry's Direction"

date: 2026-09-07

author: EquipNode Research Team

lang: en

Sales Growth Trend Chart

Halfway through 2026, China's construction machinery industry has delivered a remarkable performance. According to Su Zimeng, Secretary-General of the China Construction Machinery Association, the total import and export trade volume of construction machinery reached $35.627 billion in the first half of 2026, a year-on-year increase of 20.5%. Meanwhile, excavator sales have maintained a strong growth trajectory, with export share breaking records consecutively. This article takes you through three core data sets to understand the industry's true current direction.

Data Set One: Sustained High Sales Growth — "Off-Season Is No Longer Off-Season" Becomes the Norm

In full-year 2025, China's cumulative excavator sales totaled 235,257 units, a year-on-year increase of 17%, laying a solid foundation for the industry's recovery. Into 2026, the momentum has not only continued but accelerated:

  • January: Excavator sales surged nearly 50% year-on-year, achieving a strong start
  • April: Export volume grew 23.2% year-on-year
  • May: Major manufacturers sold a total of 24,794 excavators of various types, a year-on-year increase of 36.2%
  • Full first half: Excavator sales rose over 26% year-on-year

Notably, the construction machinery industry in 2026 has exhibited a clear "off-season is no longer off-season" pattern. During the traditional July-August sales lull, multiple companies reported that order volumes remained elevated. Two core drivers are at play: first, the sustained groundbreaking of domestic new infrastructure and new energy projects, and second, robust overseas demand for Chinese equipment.

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Data Set Two: Export Share Hits Record 61% — Overseas Markets Become the Number-One Growth Engine

If sales growth reflects the industry's quantitative change, then export share reveals a qualitative leap.

Global Export Market Distribution

In Q1 2026, China's excavator export volume grew over 36%, with overseas markets surpassing domestic ones to become the construction machinery industry's number-one growth engine. By July, the excavator export share broke through 61% for the first time, setting an all-time record.

Specifically, China's construction machinery exports reached $34.373 billion in the first half of 2026, broken down as follows:

  • Southeast Asia: Benefiting from infrastructure investment along the Belt and Road route, continued rapid growth
  • Middle East: Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is driving large-scale infrastructure projects to break ground simultaneously
  • Europe: Electrified equipment exports grew significantly, especially electric excavators and electric wheel loaders
  • Africa: Mining operations and infrastructure construction are driving demand for heavy equipment

Worth noting is that the export structure is shifting from "selling equipment" to "selling solutions." Leading enterprises such as Sany Heavy Industry, XCMG Group, and Zoomlion are no longer just exporting individual machines — they are providing end-to-end solutions that include equipment leasing, parts supply, technical training, and after-sales service. This "comprehensive overseas expansion" model has markedly strengthened the global competitiveness of Chinese brands.

Data Set Three: Accelerating Electrification Penetration — bauma CHINA 2026 Poised to Launch

Electrification Transformation Trend

Against the backdrop of the global construction machinery industry's accelerated green transition, the export growth of Chinese electrified equipment has been particularly striking. According to the Global Times, exports of Chinese electric construction machinery continued to climb in the first half of 2026, becoming a key force driving global green infrastructure.

This trend will be showcased prominently at the upcoming bauma CHINA 2026. For the first time, the exhibition will adopt a "one exhibition, two halls" format, with a total exhibition area of 400,000 square meters, expected to bring together nearly 4,000 exhibitors — the largest scale to date. Electrified, intelligent, and unmanned equipment will be the core highlights of the show.

Meanwhile, Caterpillar recently raised its 2026 sales growth forecast, and Deere also lifted its sales guidance on the back of data center construction demand. The global construction machinery market remains at a high level of prosperity, and Chinese companies, leveraging their first-mover advantage in electrification and cost competitiveness, are securing an increasingly prominent position in the global marketplace.

Industry Outlook: What Signals Should We Watch in the Second Half?

Looking ahead, there are three key areas to watch for China's construction machinery industry in the second half of 2026:

First, whether export growth can be sustained. The 20.5% trade volume growth in the first half was already impressive, but the base effect and changes in the international trade environment in the second half warrant close attention. In particular, the policy stance of European and American markets toward Chinese electric equipment will directly influence export trends.

Second, market acceptance of electrified equipment. Domestic penetration of electric excavators and electric wheel loaders has already broken through 10%, but overseas markets are still in the early stages. Whether Chinese electrified equipment can secure orders from international buyers at bauma CHINA 2026 will be a key indicator for testing the global competitiveness of Chinese electric machinery.

Third, the depth of aftermarket service deployment. As the installed base of exported equipment grows rapidly, demand for aftermarket services — parts supply, maintenance and repair, used equipment trading — is surging. For information on parts supply solutions for brands such as Sany and XCMG, feel free to inquire at any time.

Summary

In the first half of 2026, China's construction machinery industry demonstrated its resilience through three core data sets: 26% sales growth reflects solid domestic demand, a 61% export share highlights the fruits of globalization, and accelerating electrification signals the future direction. For industry practitioners and investors alike, understanding the logic behind these numbers matters more than the numbers themselves.

For more construction machinery market data or equipment quotes, please contact the EquipNode team:

  • Website: [equipnode.com](https://equipnode.com)
  • Email: info@equipnode.com

*Data sources: China Construction Machinery Association, General Administration of Customs, The Paper, Securities Times, South China Morning Post, Reuters*