Chinese heavy-duty truck manufacturers are riding a wave of record export growth in 2026, with shipments rising 42% year-on-year in the first seven months to approximately 259,200 units, according to industry data.
Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America Drive Growth
Customs data for the first half of 2026 shows exports to Africa reached 95,000 units, up 75% year-on-year, while Southeast Asia absorbed 50,000 units (+32.9%) and Latin America 17,000 units (+69.5%). Together, these three regions account for more than 80% of total heavy-duty truck exports, underscoring how Belt and Road partner countries and emerging infrastructure markets remain the sector’s core growth engine.
In Southeast Asia, China-made trucks now hold roughly 73.7% of import market share, with penetration in Vietnam exceeding 93%. Analysts project exports to the region could reach 263,000 units by 2030 as local logistics and construction projects expand.
New Energy Trucks Hit Record Orders
The most striking momentum is in new energy. In June, SANY shipped 883 electric heavy-duty trucks abroad in a single order — the largest batch of Chinese electric trucks ever delivered to overseas buyers, exceeding the total new-energy tractor exports of 2025. Shaanxi Automobile Group (SHACMAN) sold 26,000 new energy trucks in 2025, surging 280% year-on-year, while adding six new export destinations.
Domestically, new energy truck penetration is accelerating to prepare the industry for overseas demand: H1 2026 sales reached approximately 140,000 units, up 78.6%, and penetration is expected to approach 37% in 2026.
Leading Players Expand Localization
China National Heavy Duty Truck Group (SINOTRUK), the industry export leader for 21 consecutive years, now sells to more than 150 countries and regions, with overseas shipments surpassing half of its total sales. The company has deepened localized CKD assembly in Malaysia and expanded rapidly in Africa (+66%) and Southeast Asia (+61%) during the first half of 2026. FAW Jiefang, meanwhile, delivered 100 JH6 units to its Indonesia partner in July, building on a sales and service network established since 2005.
Outlook: A “Harvest Period” for Chinese Trucks Going Global
With cost advantages, mature channel networks, and a maturing new energy supply chain, Chinese heavy-duty truck makers are entering what analysts call a “harvest period” overseas. As global infrastructure investment climbs and fuel economics shift, demand for cost-effective and electrified trucks is expected to keep rising across emerging markets — positioning Chinese manufacturers to redefine the global commercial vehicle landscape.
Source: China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), China Customs, MIIT, company releases, 2026.