Construction Machinery Output Declines in August 2025

If the construction equipment industry were a precision instrument, the August 2025 data would represent an audible "distortion" in its operation. Latest statistics from China's Construction Machinery Association reveal concerning trends: both average operating hours and utilization rates for major equipment categories registered year-on-year and month-on-month declines, signaling a potential industry adjustment period.

The data shows that in August 2025, average monthly operating hours for construction machinery reached 78.4 hours, representing a 9.45% year-over-year decrease and a 2.92% sequential decline. The performance varied significantly across equipment types:

Utilization rates followed a similar pattern, with the sector average dropping to 55.1%— down 6.83 percentage points from August 2024 and 1.14 percentage points from July 2025. Truck cranes maintained relatively strong performance at 71.9% utilization, while concrete mixer trucks lagged at just 33.1%.

1. Slower fixed-asset investment growth across major markets
2. Ongoing property market adjustments impacting construction activity
3. Seasonal variations in infrastructure projects
4. Extreme weather events disrupting operations in some regions

• Accelerate technological innovation to enhance product competitiveness
• Expand international presence to diversify market risks
• Monitor policy developments, particularly regarding new infrastructure initiatives

The current downturn may represent not just a cyclical correction but potentially a structural shift in the construction equipment landscape. Companies that successfully adapt to these changing conditions through operational flexibility and strategic foresight will be best positioned for long-term success.