Used Excavator Import Export Market Dynamics

Used Excavator Import and Export Market Dynamics, September 2025

In the global construction machinery market, the import and export trade of used excavators is charting a unique trajectory. 2024 marked a milestone year, with my country’s used excavator exports soaring to approximately 120,000 units. This figure not only surpassed new excavator exports but also exceeded new excavator domestic sales, marking a new phase of “exporting existing stock” in my country’s used excavator market. Entering 2025, this growth trend continued to accelerate, with used excavator exports significantly boosting domestic new excavator sales. With the increase in domestic equipment ownership, a large number of used equipment in good condition are flowing into overseas markets, freeing up space for domestic new equipment sales, promoting equipment upgrades, and further stimulating the vitality of the domestic new equipment market.

From a regional perspective, used excavator exports are flourishing in various regions. On August 25th, Jianyang, Sichuan, achieved its first groundbreaking export: three remanufactured Komatsu 1250 excavators were shipped to Dubai. The equipment, valued at approximately 5 million yuan, is expected to arrive on September 20th. This export not only opens up international markets for Jianyang’s construction machinery industry but also demonstrates the competitiveness of remanufactured equipment in the global market. Remanufactured equipment utilizes advanced technology and processes to restore or even improve the performance of original equipment, meeting the needs of overseas customers at a relatively low price.

Early that same month, a used crawler excavator from Liupanshui, Guizhou, departed from Shanghai Yangshan Port for Chile, marking the region’s first export. This demonstrates the inland region’s active exploration of used excavator exports, leveraging convenient seaport logistics channels to bring local equipment to the international market. The Changsha area in Hunan has established regular operations in the export of used equipment, with a cumulative shipment of 216 units, covering Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and other regions, with a single shipment value of approximately 317 million yuan (as of March 10, 2025). As a key base for my country’s construction machinery industry, Changsha, with its well-developed industrial chain, abundant product resources, and mature market operation experience, plays a leading role in the export of used excavators.

In terms of products and technology, electric-powered modified excavators have become the “keyword” for export traffic. These devices feature a one-hour charge and a three-hour battery life, offering significant advantages in cost and emissions. In the African market in particular, electric-powered modified excavators account for over 30% of the growth. With increasing global environmental protection requirements and fluctuating energy costs, electric excavators, with their energy-saving and low-emission features, are increasingly favored by overseas customers. This has opened up new market space for my country’s used excavator exports and promoted technological upgrades in the industry.

In contrast, the import of used excavators was relatively quiet in September 2025. Currently, there are no authoritative monthly statistical updates. Existing platforms and encyclopedias primarily focus on transaction processes and product categories, lacking detailed data at the customs level for the current month. This may be related to the current state of the domestic construction machinery industry. After years of development, domestically produced equipment has gradually met market demand in terms of technology, quality, and quantity, reducing reliance on imported used excavators. Furthermore, factors such as changes in the global distribution of used excavator resources and adjustments to trade policies may have impacted the activity of the import market.

Overall, used excavator exports continued to improve in September 2025, with significant highlights in regional expansion and product innovation. While the import market lacks the latest data, industry trends suggest it is in a relatively stable adjustment phase. Going forward, the used excavator import and export market will continue to be influenced by multiple factors, including the global economic situation, infrastructure demand, technological innovation, and trade policies, worthy of continued attention.