China Used Truck Export Statistics 2026: Data, Trends & Market Analysis
China’s Used Truck Exports Hit Record Highs in 2025 — Key China Used Truck Export Statistics
If you’re tracking China’s used truck export statistics, the data shows a clear picture: China exported over 280,000 commercial vehicles in 2025, a year-over-year increase of roughly 15% from 2024. Of those, an estimated 90,000–100,000 were used trucks and pre-owned heavy machinery shipped to destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.
These numbers come from industry estimates based on China Customs data and export license filings tracked by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). While CAAM does not break out “used” vs “new” in its official tallies, multiple industry sources that track second-hand export quotas put the used-truck share at 30–35% of total commercial-vehicle exports.
Below is a data-driven look at the latest China used truck export statistics — where these trucks are going, which brands dominate, and what the trends say about 2026 and beyond.
This page is regularly updated. Last updated: July 2026.
China Used Truck Export Statistics: Volume Data (Estimated, 2020–2026)
| Year | Est. Used Truck Exports | YoY Change | Top Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | ~42,000 units | — | Nigeria |
| 2021 | ~55,000 units | +31% | Nigeria |
| 2022 | ~62,000 units | +13% | Ethiopia |
| 2023 | ~75,000 units | +21% | Nigeria |
| 2024 | ~85,000 units | +13% | Ethiopia |
| 2025 | ~95,000–100,000 units | +12–15% | Nigeria |
| 2026 (proj.) | ~110,000–120,000 units | +15–20% | Nigeria/Ethiopia |
Sources: CAAM export license filings, China Customs HS code 8704 & 8701 data (extrapolated), industry analyst estimates. Used-truck share is estimated at 30-35% of total commercial-vehicle exports.
Top Destination Markets in China Used Truck Export Statistics (2025)
According to export tracking data and freight forwarder estimates, the top 10 destinations for Chinese used trucks in 2025 were:
- Nigeria — An estimated 18,000–22,000 units. Africa’s largest economy and biggest market for Chinese trucks. HOWO and Shacman are the dominant brands.
- Ethiopia — 10,000–13,000 units. Infrastructure boom driven by Chinese-funded railway and road projects.
- Ghana — 7,000–9,000 units. West Africa’s second-largest market, strong demand for dump trucks in mining.
- Kenya — 5,000–7,000 units. East African hub, Mombasa port, handles regional distribution.
- Tanzania — 4,000–6,000 units. Growing construction and mining sectors.
- South Africa — 3,500–5,000 units. The largest Southern African economy, but stricter import rules limit volume.
- Uganda — 3,000–4,000 units. Landlocked market served via Mombasa.
- Angola — 2,500–4,000 units. Oil and diamond sectors drive dump truck demand.
- Zambia — 2,000–3,500 units. Copper belt mining demand for heavy trucks.
- DRC — 1,500–3,000 units. Mining-focused market, mostly HOWO 6×4 and 8×4 dump trucks.
Note: These are estimates based on shipping manifest data, customs filings, and exporter surveys. Actual numbers may vary by ±20%.
Which Chinese Truck Brands Lead Export Volumes?
Based on export tracking across Chinese ports, the market share breakdown for used trucks exported in 2025 is approximately:
- SINOTRUK HOWO — ~40% market share. The clear leader. The HOWO 6×4 dump truck and 6×4 tractor truck are the single most exported used truck models from China. WHY? Wide dealer network in Africa, strong parts availability, and the brand’s reputation for reliability in tough conditions.
- Shacman (Shaanxi Automobile) — ~25% market share. The F3000 and X3000 models are popular price alternatives to HOWO. Shares Weichai engine components with HOWO, making parts availability nearly identical.
- FAW Jiefang — ~15% market share. Strong in specific markets like Ethiopia and Ghana. A lower price point makes it attractive for budget-constrained buyers.
- Dongfeng — ~10% market share. Stronger in cargo trucks and specialized vehicles than dump trucks. Popular francophone West African markets.
- FOTON — ~5% market share. Growing share, especially in light trucks and pickup segments. Strong in Ghana and Nigeria for the FOTON Tunland pickup.
- Others (Great Wall, Shandong, etc.) — ~5%. Includes niche brands and off-brand units.
See these trucks in action: View the video of vehicle inventory on our YouTube channel to see HOWO, Shacman, and FAW trucks being inspected before export.
Price Trends: How China Used Truck Export Statistics to Reflect Price Changes (2020–2026)
[IMAGE 4 — Position: after this paragraph. Suggested file: A line chart showing FOB price trends for used HOWO 6×4 dump trucks 2020-2026. Alt text: “FOB price trend for used HOWO 6×4 dump trucks from 2020 to 2026, showing moderate price increases” Size: 800px inline]
Prices for used Chinese trucks have followed a general upward trend since 2020, driven by inflation in raw materials and increased overseas demand. The China used truck export statistics show FOB prices rising across all major brands.
| Year | HOWO 6×4 Dump (FOB) | Shacman F3000 (FOB) | FAW J6 Dump (FOB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $10,000–$14,000 | $9,000–$12,000 | $8,000–$11,000 |
| 2022 | $12,000–$16,000 | $11,000–$15,000 | $9,000–$13,000 |
| 2024 | $13,000–$18,000 | $12,000–$16,000 | $10,000–$14,000 |
| 2026 | $14,000–$19,000 | $13,000–$17,000 | $11,000–$15,000 |
FOB Tianjin/Shanghai. Prices vary by year of manufacture, mileage, condition, and negotiation. 2026 prices reflect 2021–2022 model year trucks.
Shipping Route Trends
The most popular shipping routes for Chinese used truck exports in 2025:
- Tianjin → Lagos (Nigeria): The highest volume route. Transit 30–40 days. RORO shipping preferred.
- Tianjin → Mombasa (Kenya): Serves East Africa, including Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC. Transit 28–35 days.
- Shanghai → Dar es Salaam (Tanzania): Serves Tanzania, Zambia, DRC, Malawi. Transit 30–38 days.
- Tianjin → Tema (Ghana): Serves West Africa, including Ghana, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso. Transit 35–45 days.
- Shanghai → Durban (South Africa): Serves Southern Africa. Transit 25–32 days.
What China Used Truck Export Statistics Mean for 2026 and Beyond
Several trends point to continued growth in China’s used truck exports, and the China used truck export statistics for 2026 are projected to break new records:
Infrastructure investment in Africa is not slowing down. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is driving cross-border road and rail projects. More roads mean more demand for dump trucks, tractor trucks, and cargo trucks.
Chinese mining investments. Chinese companies are deepening their presence in African mining — lithium in Zimbabwe, cobalt in the DRC, copper in Zambia. These operations need a steady supply of heavy trucks.
European and Japanese alternatives are getting more expensive. New Scania, Volvo, and Mercedes trucks now cost $120,000–$200,000 in African markets. A used HOWO at $15,000–$25,000 CIF makes economic sense for price-sensitive buyers.
China’s domestic truck scrappage policy is increasing the used stock. China’s 2025–2026 scrappage incentives are pushing newer, better-maintained trucks into the used export supply chain. This improves quality for international buyers.
One caution: Several African countries are tightening used import age limits. Nigeria’s recent policy shifts and Egypt’s strict 3–5 year limits could slow growth in specific markets. Exporters who can supply newer trucks (2021+) will benefit most.
Methods & Data Sources
These China-used truck export statistics are compiled from multiple sources:
- China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) monthly export reports
- China Customs HS Code statistics (HS 8701, 8704, 8705 categories)
- Export-import company surveys conducted in mid-2025 and early 2026
- Freight forwarder shipping manifest data from Tianjin, Shanghai, and Guangzhou ports
- Trade association estimates from SINOTRUK, Shaanxi Automobile, and FAW industry briefings
Individual estimates are sourced to specific industry publications where possible. Where direct sources are unavailable, ranges are provided and noted as estimates.
Use This Data
We publish these China-used truck export statistics as a resource for journalists, researchers, and industry professionals covering the global used truck trade. If you use this data in your reporting, please link to this page as the source. If you have corrections or more precise data, we welcome the update — contact us to contribute.
Want to see the actual trucks behind these numbers? View the video of vehicle inventory on our YouTube channel for walkarounds, inspections, and export-ready inventory.
Related Reading
→ Used Trucks Imported from China to Africa: Market Trends
→ 2026 China Used Truck Export Market Forecast
→ African Light Truck Market 2026: Trends and Import Guide
