The value of cranes imported into China last year was double the previous year’s figure, according to an analysis conducted by the Beijing Materials Handling Institute for Cranes Today.
Xiao Liqun, director of the institute, collected import and export figures for 2002 from China’s customs head office.
The official figures shows that the total volume of cranes imported into China in 2002 increased 97.5% on 2001 to reach $284.53m., The value of exported ones increased 58.4% to $457.01m. The reason that crane exports outstrip imports so dramatically is because of the strong success that dockside crane manufacturers, notably ZPMC and Shanghai Port Machinery, have had in the world market.
The value of imports of other lifting equipment, which includes jacks and hoists, rose 53% to $149.76m. Exports in this sector rose 18% to $271.16m.
Next month a major construction machinery fair, BICES, is being held in Beijing. Though not as big as Bauma China, being held next year and likely to attract most major crane manufacturers as exhibitors, there will still be a significant international crane industry presence at the show, with Kato, Tadano and Liebherr among the exhibitors.
