Sales of mini excavators in China increased by 28 per cent in 2025

The increase in sales in 2025 followed on from annual growth of 11 per cent in 2024, while exports in the Chinese mini excavator market increased by 16 per cent to 35,500 units. 

The market is still in the process of rectification after a total of 266,900 units were sold during 2019 and 2021. Over that period, only 12 per cent were in the 1.0-3.0 tonne range, and 2 per cent of sales were in the range of 3.1-5.0 tonnes, while demand was overwhelmingly dominated by machines of 5.1-6.0 tonnes. 

Since then, the market has become increasingly sophisticated with customers showing more diverse demand. The main driver behind this diversification has been their pursuit of maximising return on their investment. Another reason shaping the demand structure has been the profitability of manufacturers and their dealers in each class. Few suppliers, and even fewer dealers, make a profit in the class of 5.1-6.0 tonnes. Therefore, only larger suppliers with volume sales of larger excavators and keen to pursue share in the overall market hold strong positions in this sector. This explains why last year all international suppliers either saw their sales increase, but at a slower rate than the overall market, or saw their sales remain flat or decline. Last year, indigenous suppliers accounted for 91 per cent sales of the market and the four largest suppliers remained the same.

The Mini Excavators 2026 report, published in Off-Highway Research’s China service, provides detailed analysis of the current state of the country’s mini excavator market. 

The report provides analysis of construction activity, market size, production volumes, machine populations and end users, as well as including detailed profiles on the country’s largest equipment manufacturers, importers and distributors.

This report is essential reading for companies active in China, or those considering entering the market. It is intended as a decision-making tool for manufacturers, distributors, rental companies, financial institutions, importers and all other stakeholders in the mini excavator market. 

This report is now available to buy. Click here to purchase it from our store, or contact mail@offhighwayresearch.com