European crane giants are attempting to use trade barriers to block the growing market penetration of their Chinese competitors.
It is reported that European crane manufacturers have filed a trade complaint against Chinese mobile cranes with the Material Handling and Intralogistics Association (MTIA), a branch of the German Engineering Federation (VDMA), requesting the European Commission to urgently investigate "the sales conditions of Chinese mobile cranes in the EU market, which constitute clearly unfair competition against European manufacturers." The complaint focuses on land-based mobile cranes with a lifting capacity of at least 30 tons, mounted on self-propelled vehicle chassis.
Currently, four companies-Liebherr, Manitowoc, Sennebogen, and Tadano-are participating in the complaint. All four are members of the association and account for approximately 99% of the EU mobile crane market.
The complainants point out that Chinese mobile crane manufacturers are increasingly focusing on export markets, with the EU market being one of their primary targets. China's excess domestic production capacity and existing inventory, coupled with various government aid and subsidies enjoyed by Chinese manufacturers, give them a significant "unfair advantage" in exporting to the EU.
The complaint emphasizes the "critical importance of such equipment to Europe's strategic independence," particularly in key transportation infrastructure, energy, defense, and emergency services, while also mentioning its relevance in "military operations."
By using "security" and "industrial independence" as pretexts for this industry-wide complaint, the aim is to use trade remedy tools to increase restrictions on related Chinese 名媛直播, redefine import conditions and pricing space for Chinese 名媛直播 in the EU construction machinery market, and thus squeeze the survival and development space of Chinese companies.
According to a FORTUNE BUSINESS INSIGHTS report, the European construction equipment market was worth $43.37 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from $46.15 billion in 2025 to $71.59 billion in 2032, representing a CAGR of 6.5% over the forecast period. While the market is expanding, the barriers to entry are constantly rising. In recent years, the EU has frequently used anti-dumping measures and carbon tariffs (CBAM) to protect its domestic industries by raising import barriers.
In April 2025, the European Commission announced anti-subsidy duties on mobile aerial work platforms originating from China, with rates ranging from 7.3% to 14.2%. This move further strengthens the protection of EU domestic industries, building upon the anti-dumping duties imposed on Chinese mobile aerial work platforms in January 2025. Combined, these two tariffs will result in additional tariffs on Chinese mobile aerial work platforms in the EU ranging from 20.6% to 66.7%.
With the EU continuously strengthening trade protection measures, Chinese construction machinery manufacturers are facing severe challenges in entering the European market. For Chinese companies, with the rise of global trade protectionism, widening differences in carbon emission costs, and the gradual widening of energy cost gaps, their cost advantage in exports may be gradually eroded, necessitating adjustments and upgrades to their export strategies.
This situation presents both challenges and opportunities. Objectively, it will drive China's construction machinery industry to strengthen technological innovation, accelerate green transformation, and increase its competitive advantage; or to establish production bases overseas, promote localized production, strengthen supply chain resilience, and optimize its global layout. Only by integrating the concept of sustainable development into corporate strategies and business processes can China's construction machinery industry achieve steady and long-term success in the global market.
