Chinas Construction Machinery Sales Show Mixed Results in August

Amid the roaring engines and bustling activity at construction sites, the engineering machinery market is experiencing turbulent shifts. August 2025 revealed a mixed landscape of "8 sectors growing and 2 declining," painting a complex picture of resilience and struggle within the industry.

Motor grader sales totaled 683 units in August 2025, marking a 12.4% year-on-year decline. However, domestic sales showed promise with 108 units sold—a 16.1% increase—while exports dropped 16.3% to 575 units. Cumulatively from January to August, total sales reached 5,650 units (up 5.25%), with domestic sales growing 33.6% to 1,023 units. This suggests a strategic rebalancing toward domestic infrastructure projects amid weaker international demand.

Truck crane sales fell 4.65% year-on-year to 1,434 units in August, with domestic sales rising 28.2% (736 units) but exports plummeting 24.9% (698 units). The eight-month cumulative figures showed a 6.47% overall decline, reflecting pressures from both domestic real estate adjustments and global competition. Industry players must accelerate innovation to enhance product quality and performance.

Crawler cranes bucked the trend with a 43.7% surge in August sales (273 units), fueled by domestic (up 51.7%) and export (up 40.2%) demand. Large-scale projects and premium product needs are propelling this segment, underscoring the importance of smart, eco-friendly technological advancements.

Mobile cranes saw a 7.29% sales increase to 1,664 units in August, driven by a 24.2% domestic rise (1,313 units) despite a 28.9% export drop. With market saturation intensifying, manufacturers must differentiate through specialized or smart features to stand out.

Tower crane sales declined 9.79% (424 units), with domestic sales down 29.1% due to real estate sector slowdowns. Export growth of 27.3% (205 units) offered limited relief. Diversification into infrastructure and urban renewal projects could unlock new opportunities.

Forklifts shone brightly with 118,087 units sold in August—a 19.4% increase—bolstered by logistics sector growth and electric model adoption. Domestic and export sales grew nearly 20% each, signaling robust global demand for energy-efficient solutions.

Road rollers and pavers posted growth, with rollers up 14.1% (1,312 units) and pavers up 20.4% (118 units). Infrastructure investments and precision construction trends are key drivers, emphasizing the need for smarter, automated technologies.

Aerial work platforms faced an 18.7% August sales drop (13,430 units), with domestic demand plunging 40.9%. Stricter safety regulations and real estate woes are prompting exploration of industrial and commercial applications.

Cherry pickers defied market trends with an 88.5% sales surge (490 units), nearly doubling domestic demand (up 99.6%). Heightened safety awareness and efficiency needs are reshaping this niche segment.