What happened
According to data from the China Construction Machinery Association, from January to August 2026, major excavator manufacturers sold 191,557 units, a year-on-year increase of 24.2%. Domestic sales reached 94,619 units (up 17.4%), while exports hit 96,938 units (up 31.8%).
In August alone, 19,716 excavators were sold, up 19.3% from the same month last year. Domestic sales rose 3.92% to 7,986 units, while exports surged 32.7% to 11,730 units.
The association also reported that loader sales in August totaled 10,832 units, up 14.7% year-on-year. For the first eight months, loader sales reached 104,658 units, a 25.8% increase.
Why it matters
The growth in excavator sales reflects a cyclical recovery in the domestic market and increased capital expenditure in overseas mining, according to a research report from Dongwu Securities. Both domestic and international markets are on an upward trajectory.
Beyond mining, the construction of data centers and computing networks is emerging as a new driver for the construction machinery industry. One industry insider noted that data centers are heavy-asset new infrastructure, involving site preparation, civil works, power systems, and cooling systems, all of which boost demand for machinery.
The high operating rates of lifting equipment in July and August, supported by energy infrastructure and major transport projects, show strong resistance to seasonal fluctuations, indicating stable demand.
Key facts
From January to August 2026, excavator sales totaled 191,557 units, up 24.2% year-on-year.
In August 2026, excavator exports increased by 32.7% year-on-year to 11,730 units.
The '15th Five-Year Plan' period is expected to see 4 trillion yuan in new direct investment in computing network construction, according to relevant institutions.
Sany Heavy Industry's excavator segment achieved sales revenue of 21.306 billion yuan in the first half of the year, up 21.77% year-on-year.
What to watch next
Whether the growth momentum in excavator sales continues as the traditional off-season ends and infrastructure projects accelerate.
How the expansion of data center and computing network construction further influences demand for construction machinery, particularly for large and high-end cranes.
The impact of AI and new-generation technologies on expanding the application fields of construction machinery, as noted by the association's president.
