China’s excavator sales defy headwinds with 36% jump in May

China’s excavator market maintained robust growth in May, with both domestic and overseas sales exceeding forecasts. Data from the China Construction Machinery Association (CCMA) shows total sales reached 24,794 units, up 36.2% YoY. For the first five months, cumulative sales hit 126,875 units, rising 24.7% YoY. 

Domestic:​ Sales grew 38.6% YoY​ to 11,628 units, driven by an 8-10 year replacement cycle and new infrastructure projects including the Yajiang Hydropower Station and Xinjiang-Tibet Railway. 

Export:​ Sales increased 34.2% YoY​ to 13,166 units, with exports accounting for 53.1%​ of total volume. African mining demand offset Middle East softness, sustaining growth despite a high base. 

Pricing:​ Leading OEMs Sany, XCMG, and LiuGong raised prices, signaling tighter supply-demand conditions and improved profitability. 

Electrification:​ Penetration remains low at <0.2%, though technology maturity suggests a future inflection point.

30 June 2026 reported by Machinery News