National Operating Rate Hits 72.3% as Infrastructure Investment Accelerates

China's construction machinery sector entered a decisive upswing in May 2026, with the national equipment operating rate climbing to 72.3% — a robust gain of 4.1 percentage points from April. This marks the highest utilization level seen in the past 18 months.

The momentum is underpinned by sustained fiscal expansion. Infrastructure investment in China grew 11.2% year-on-year during the first five months of 2026. Domestic excavator sales posted 11,200 units in the first three weeks of May, achieving +4.1% year-on-year growth — the first positive sales growth in 20 months.

Sany Launches SY215E Electric Excavator with 300 Pre-Orders

Sany Group unveiled the SY215E, a fully electric medium excavator powered by a 451 kWh battery pack delivering 6 to 8 hours of continuous runtime. The model has accumulated 300 pre-orders from customers across China and Southeast Asia.

XCMG Seals $500 Million NEOM Deal, Launches 3,000-Ton Giant Crane

XCMG signed a $500 million contract with Saudi Al-Rashid Group to supply 1,200 units for the NEOM megacity project. In parallel, XCMG launched the XCA3000 — the world's largest all-terrain crane with a 3,000-ton rated lifting capacity.

LiuGong Crosses 100,000 Overseas Loader Shipments, Deploys Unmanned Units

LiuGong surpassed 100,000 units in cumulative overseas loader exports, with electric models now accounting for 15.2% of its export mix. The company also deployed unmanned electric wheel loaders at a coal mine in Indonesia.

Zoomlion Tower Crane Exports Surge 35%, Europe Grows 60%

Zoomlion reported tower crane exports of 1,800 units in the first five months (+35%), with European markets growing 60%.

Export Momentum: $8.26 Billion in Four Months

From January to April 2026, total exports reached $8.26 billion (+17.6%). Top markets: Russia ($1.12B), India, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Vietnam. Electric loader sales surged 312% year-on-year.

CCMA Forecasts 15.5% New Energy Penetration by Year-End

The CCMA projects new energy equipment penetration of 15.5% by end 2026, up from 8% in 2025, driven by declining battery costs and tightening emissions regulations.

Conclusion

May 2026 confirmed three key trends: electrification is scaling from niche to mainstream, Chinese brands are capturing global markets with technology, and service localization is becoming a competitive advantage.

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