According to the statistics of major wheel loader manufacturers by China Construction Machinery Industry Association, the total sales volume of various kinds of loaders in February 2025 was about 8,730 units, a year-on-year increase of 34.4%.
Monthly loader sales volume statistics
This growth rate is of unusual significance, hitting a new record high since December 2022 (loader sales volume grew by 43% YoY in Chinese market in November 2022 due to the official implementation of China IV emission standards), the second highest record since April 2021. The sales volume in China was 4,505 units, which was a new peak in the past 8 months, with a year-on-year increase of 63%.
In the past 5 months, although the overall sales volume of loaders has increased, it was mainly driven by exports, and the domestic sales volume in China declined in each month compared with the previous year; However, the surge in February was the highest increase since March 2021.
As of February 26, the scale of new special bonds issued or planned to be issued by local governments were exceeded to be 590 billion Yuan, an increase of more than 190 billion Yuan compared with the previous year. The injection of a large amount of funds provides a solid financial guarantee for infrastructure projects, directly stimulates the demand for loaders and other construction machinery, and drives a substantial increase in domestic sales in China.
Exports are also optimistic, with 4,225 loader exported in February, a year-on-year increase of 13.20%, and a positive year-on-year growth for 12 consecutive months.
Monthlyloader export sales volume statistics
Electric loaders continued to maintain a strong growth trend, with a total sales volume of 1,327 units in February, accounting for 15.20% of total sales, with a year-on-year growth rate of 156%.
It is worth mentioning that the electrification of loaders has grown rapidly. In the past, the 5-ton and 6-ton electric models were popular, which accounted for 97% in the market in 2024. Since 2025, the market share of the two major models has dropped to about 90%, and the sales of other models have increased significantly.
SDLG L968HEV electric wheel loaders
In terms of the market index, the average monthly working hours of the major construction machinery products in February were 46.4 hours, an increase of 70.3% year-on-year, for loaders it is 62.5 hours. The monthly operating rate was 44.6%, an increase of 12.3% year-on-year, and it was 50.9% for loaders.
March is the peak season for construction machinery industry, combined with favorable government policies, increased market demand and the impact of equipment renewal cycle, a high growth trend is expected for the loader market. In the long run, with the gradual recovery of the global economy and the continuous advancement of infrastructure construction in emerging markets, the market demand for loaders will maintain a growth trend.
The sales of electric loaders will maintain a rapid growth trend, with more extensive application scenarios. The electrification of wheel loaders will extend to a wider range besides the popular 5~6 ton models
