Import Used Trucks from China to Mozambique — 2026 Complete Guide (CIF Maputo Prices & Shipping)
Looking to import used trucks from China to Mozambique? You’re not alone. Coal exports from Tete, LNG projects in the north, and infrastructure growth across the country have pushed demand for Chinese trucks to new highs in 2026. But the difference between a profitable import and a costly mistake comes down to knowing the right route, the right truck, and the right paperwork.
This guide covers everything you need to import used trucks from China to Mozambique — CIF Maputo prices, port clearance step-by-step, shipping routes to Maputo / Beira / Nacala, and which Chinese truck models perform best on Mozambican roads.
Why Mozambique Needs Chinese Trucks in 2026
Walk around the Baixa area of Maputo and you’ll see them. HOWO dump trucks hauling construction material. Shacman tractor units pulling containers out of the port. FAW cargo trucks running supplies up the EN1 to Beira. They’re all imported used trucks from China, and for good reason — Chinese trucks offer the best value-to-performance ratio for Mozambique’s tough conditions.
Four things driving demand right now:
- Coal mining in Tete province — Vale, ICVL, and Jindal are expanding. More dump trucks, more tractors, more support vehicles needed daily. The Moatize mine alone runs hundreds of trucks.
- LNG in Cabo Delgado — TotalEnergies restarted the Mozambique LNG project in 2024-2025. Equipment transport and logistics all depend on trucks.
- Port of Maputo expansion — Handled over 29 million tons in 2025. More cargo = more trucks needed for inland transport to South Africa, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe.
- Road upgrades — The N6 Beira Corridor and N4 Maputo Corridor are being upgraded. Construction crews need dump trucks, concrete mixers, and flatbeds.
Image 1 — [INSERT: Maputo port container terminal photo or truck loading scene]
Alt text: “import used trucks from China to Mozambique — Maputo port container terminal where trucks arrive for clearance”
Import Used Trucks from China to Mozambique — Regulations & Duties
The Autoridade Tributária de Moçambique (ATM) sets the rules for importing used trucks. Here’s what you need to know before you ship.
Age Restrictions on Imported Trucks
Mozambique doesn’t have a hard ban on older trucks like some West African countries. But trucks over 8 years old face stricter condition checks at Maputo or Beira ports, and clearance fees tend to be higher. Stick to 2016-2020 models — that’s the sweet spot for price and reliability when you import used trucks from China to Mozambique.
Import Duties & Taxes (2026)
| Fee Type | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty | 7.5% | On CIF value (commercial vehicles) |
| VAT (IVA) | 17% | Applied on CIF + duty total |
| Customs Clearance Fee | ~$200-500 | Depends on port and broker |
| Demurrage | $50-150/day | After 5-day free storage period |
Real cost example: A HOWO 371 6×4 tractor truck with CIF Maputo value of $18,500:
Duty: $1,388 | VAT: $3,381 | Total taxes: ~$4,769
Landed cost: ~$23,269
If you’re importing for a registered mining or transport company, ask your customs agent about reduced duty rates — they’re available but you need to apply before shipping.
Documents You’ll Need
- Bill of Lading (original)
- Commercial Invoice from your Chinese exporter
- Packing List
- Certificate of Origin
- Import Declaration (via the JUROS system)
- Vehicle registration from country of origin
- Bill of Sale or proof of ownership
Missing documents = delayed clearance = demurrage fees. Get these right before the ship leaves China.
Shipping Routes — China to Mozambique Ports
Maputo Port (Primary — Southern Mozambique)
Maputo is the main entry point for used trucks. Direct Ro-Ro and container shipping from Shanghai, Tianjin, and Guangzhou. Transit time: 25-35 days. Maputo connects to the Maputo Corridor serving South Africa, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe.
Beira Port (Central — Tete Mining)
If your trucks are heading to Tete province coal mines, Beira is the smarter choice. Ro-Ro service is less frequent than Maputo but the Beira Corridor (N6) connects directly to the mining areas. Transit: 30-35 days.
Nacala Port (North — LNG Projects)
Closest port to Cabo Delgado and the LNG construction zone. Smaller facility but handles Ro-Ro. Transit: 30-40 days.
Image 3 — [INSERT: Africa map showing shipping routes from China to Maputo, Beira, Nacala with transit times]
Alt text: “import used trucks from China to Mozambique — shipping routes to Maputo Beira and Nacala ports with transit times”
Best Used Trucks from China for Mozambique
HOWO 371 6×4 Tractor — Best for Container Hauling
The HOWO 371 rules the Maputo Corridor. 371 HP, 6×4, Sinotruk WD615 engine. Handles any container between Maputo and Joburg or Harare. CIF Maputo: $16,000-22,000 (2017-2019). Read the full HOWO 371 specs here.
Shacman F3000 6×4 Dump — Best for Mining & Construction
Weichai WP12 engine, stronger frame than the HOWO equivalent. Hauls 25-30 tons of coal or construction material. CIF Maputo: $18,000-25,000 (2018-2020). See our complete Shacman guide.
FAW J6 4×2 Cargo — Best for Regional Distribution
For moving goods between cities — Maputo to Beira, Nampula to Nacala. FAW has service points in Maputo and Beira, which is a big plus. CIF Maputo: $11,000-16,000 (2017-2019). Check our FAW buyer’s guide.
FOTON Auman 375 — Best Value
Cummins ISG engine that some Mozambican mechanics already know. Priced 10-15% below comparable HOWO models. Full FOTON guide here.
Image 4 — [INSERT: comparison photo of HOWO 371, Shacman F3000, FAW J6, FOTON Auman]
Alt text: “import used trucks from China to Mozambique — four popular Chinese truck models HOWO 371 Shacman F3000 FAW J6 FOTON Auman”
Used Truck CIF Maputo Prices (2026)
| Model | Year | Condition | CIF Maputo (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOWO 371 6×4 Tractor | 2018 | Good | $17,500-21,000 |
| Shacman F3000 6×4 Dump | 2019 | Good | $20,000-25,000 |
| FAW J6 4×2 Cargo | 2018 | Good | $12,000-16,000 |
| FOTON Auman 375 Tractor | 2019 | Good | $16,000-19,000 |
| HOWO 6×4 Dump | 2017 | Fair-Good | $15,000-18,500 |
| Great Wall Wingle 7 Pickup | 2020 | Good | $9,000-12,000 |
Common Mistakes When You Import Used Trucks from China to Mozambique
I’ve been doing this long enough to know where things go wrong:
- JUROS paperwork errors. Mozambique’s customs system is strict. One wrong field and your truck sits at port for weeks. Use a licensed customs broker in Maputo.
- Overpaying shipping. Some exporters quote inflated shipping. Ro-Ro from Tianjin to Maputo: $1,500-2,500 per truck. Negotiate this separately.
- Wrong engine emissions. Check your truck meets Mozambique’s Euro 3 minimum. Euro 4 or 5 is better for future regulations.
- Wrong configuration for the terrain. Don’t buy a 4×2 tractor if you’re hauling in Tete’s mining roads. You need 6×4 or 8×4.
Image 5 — [INSERT: truck inspection photo at loading yard in China]
Alt text: “Pre-shipment inspection of a used Chinese truck before export to Mozambique checking undercarriage and tire condition”
FAQs — Importing Used Trucks from China to Mozambique
Do I need to be in Mozambique for customs clearance?
No. A licensed customs broker can handle the JUROS process with power of attorney. Contact us and we can recommend brokers in Maputo.
Ro-Ro or container — what’s cheaper?
Ro-Ro: $1,500-2,500 per truck. Container: $3,000-4,000. Ro-Ro is cheaper but container lets you bundle spare parts.
Is left-hand drive OK in Mozambique?
Yes. Mozambique drives on the left. Chinese trucks are left-hand drive — no issues.
Which brands have service centers in Mozambique?
FAW has the strongest presence (Maputo + Beira). HOWO and Shacman have dealerships in Maputo. Parts for all three are available through local distributors.
How long from payment to delivery in Maputo?
6-8 weeks total: 1 week paperwork, 4-5 weeks shipping, 1-2 weeks clearance. Faster if you have documents ready before the ship arrives.
Should I buy direct from China or through a local dealer?
Direct from a Chinese exporter saves 20-30% vs Maputo dealer prices. Learn how to find a reliable supplier. For first-timers, hire a customs agent before you ship.
Ready to Import Used Trucks from China to Mozambique?
Mozambique’s truck market is growing fast. Coal, gas, infrastructure — all driving demand for reliable used trucks.
See our full inventory on TikTok: @usedtrucksexport — real videos of every truck we sell.
Or send me a message on WhatsApp: +86 15717687720 or fill in our contact form. Tell me what you need — truck type, budget, destination port — and I’ll send you real photos, specs, and CIF prices.
We’re based in Xingtai, Hebei — right in the heart of China’s truck export industry. Every truck is inspected before shipping. No surprises.
