According to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs, in October 2025, China exported 399 crawler cranes, a year-on-year increase of 14%, with a total value of US$0.78 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 12.88%. From January to October, cumulative exports reached 3,667 units, a year-on-year increase of 27.37%, with a total value of US$8.59 billion, a year-on-year increase of 9.49%.
According to data from the China Construction Machinery Association, since 2025, China's crawler crane industry has bottomed out and rebounded, showing a robust development trend in both domestic sales and overseas exports. In October alone, several key indicators surged.
Infrastructure Demand Drives Steady Domestic Growth
In October 2025, domestic sales of crawler cranes reached 97 units, a year-on-year increase of 54%, a significant improvement compared to the previous period. This data reflects the release of demand driven by accelerated domestic infrastructure investment.
Meanwhile, domestic sales from January to October totaled 851 units, a year-on-year increase of 21.6%, with a relatively stable growth rate. However, the monthly growth rate has significantly increased since the third quarter, indicating that demand for equipment procurement was concentrated in the third quarter as key projects across the country entered their peak construction season.
The recovery of the domestic market is mainly driven by the following factors: first, the continued advancement of major projects in the "14th Five-Year Plan"; second, the accelerated construction of new energy infrastructure, especially the growth in demand for wind power installation; and third, the demand for equipment replacement brought about by urban renewal and renovation. It is worth noting that while domestic sales have increased, the product structure is also being optimized, with the market share of medium and large tonnage and intelligent products gradually increasing.
Exports Maintain Resilience with Strong Growth Momentum
The rebound in the domestic market represents a recovery of "internal strength," while the performance of the export market represents a strong extension of "external strength." According to association statistics, crawler crane exports reached 239 units in October, a year-on-year increase of 79.7%, far exceeding the growth rate of the domestic market; cumulative exports from January to October reached 1,850 units, a year-on-year increase of 23.6%, demonstrating a strong external demand-driven effect.
Meanwhile, data from the General Administration of Customs provides a deeper perspective. In October, China exported 399 crawler cranes, a year-on-year increase of 14%, but the total value decreased by 12.88% year-on-year to US$0.78 billion. The cumulative export value growth rate from January to October was also far lower than the quantity growth rate, indicating an increase in volume but a decrease in price. *There are differences in statistical methods between the association and customs data.
The changes in the export market reflect the diversification of global market demand: On the one hand, with the deepening of the "Belt and Road" initiative, the demand for infrastructure construction and new energy projects in countries and regions along the route continues to be released, generating a large demand for equipment; on the other hand, Chinese manufacturers continue to promote globalization, further enhancing product competitiveness and forming comprehensive advantages in cost-effectiveness, delivery capacity, and after-sales service, leading to a continuous increase in market penetration.
India is the largest export market with huge growth potential.
In recent years, China's crawler crane export market has gradually expanded, with products exported to many countries and regions worldwide. Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa are the main export markets for Chinese crawler cranes.
Customs data shows that from January to October, crawler crane exports covered 129 countries and regions. India (579 units), the UAE (393 units), and Indonesia (391 units) ranked in the top three. Russia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Saudi Arabia each exported over 100 units, demonstrating broad overseas market coverage and high concentration among leading companies.
Overall, in terms of both export volume and value, exports to India showed a significant lead from January to October. India is entering a new era of infrastructure construction, with the government continuously increasing investment in transportation, energy, and urban development, ushering in long-term growth for the Indian construction machinery market. While international manufacturers are aggressively expanding into the Indian market, Chinese manufacturers are demonstrating strong competitiveness, especially in earthmoving and mining. Their competitiveness stems not only from price but also from localized manufacturing and a mature after-sales service system.
Currently, the divergence in the global economic situation and the ongoing impact of trade conflicts may put some pressure on the Chinese export market. However, the deepening of the Belt and Road Initiative and the rigid demand for infrastructure construction in emerging markets will still provide ample space for Chinese manufacturing, and the crawler crane industry is expected to maintain its current growth momentum.
