**Pseudo-Proposition I: Domestic Heavy-Duty Truck Exports Have Declined, Import Trucks Have Risen Sharply and Threaten Domestic Brands**
Recently, a certain viewpoint has been circulating online, claiming that China's heavy truck manufacturers have seen a decline in exports, while imported trucks are on the rise and posing a threat to domestic brands. However, after a closer look at the data and interviews with industry insiders, this narrative appears to be misleading.
According to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, heavy truck exports in the first half of 2024 increased by over 30% compared to the same period last year. This contradicts the notion of a general decline. To get a clearer picture, reporters contacted several key figures in major Chinese heavy truck companies.
From our comprehensive survey, it became clear that the overall export performance of most heavy truck companies was actually very strong. Only a few showed slight declines, and even those were minimal.
**Heavy Truck Exports Remain Strong in First Half of Year**
Among the top 10 heavy truck manufacturers—accounting for over 95% of China’s total heavy truck exports—seven reported significant increases in exports. FAW Jiefang, Dongfeng Liuqi, Sinotruk, Chongqing Hongyan, Beiqi Foton, Valin Motors, and Luoyang Dragline all saw impressive growth. For example, Luoyang Dragline’s exports surged by 600%, while Chongqing Hongyan increased by 360%, exporting to Russia, Kazakhstan, Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. Beiqi Foton led with a 350% increase, and Dongfeng Liuqi reported nearly double the exports compared to last year.
Valin Motors, a rising player in the industry, also performed well, shifting from import substitution to export-oriented strategies. In June alone, they secured a large order of 1,000 trucks for Algeria, which surprised many established players.
Sinotruk remained the leader in exports, shipping 4,336 units in the first half of the year—an increase of 170% year-on-year. A source confirmed that the company is still negotiating a $350 million contract with Iran for 10,000 H7 series trucks, which could further boost exports in the coming years.
Experts note that while only four companies exported over 1,000 vehicles in the first half, there is still significant room for growth. Only two companies, Dongfeng Commercial Vehicles and Shaanxi Heavy Duty Automotive, saw minor declines, with the latter focusing more on the domestic market.
**Light Trucks Continue to Grow**
In addition to heavy trucks, light truck exports also showed steady growth. Among the seven major light truck companies, five saw increases ranging from 10% to 59%. Yuejin Automobile recorded the highest growth at 59%, while FAW “Little Liberation†increased by 50%. Beiqi Futian topped the list with 4,618 units exported, up 7% year-on-year.
Dongfeng Light Trucks also made progress, exporting over 2,000 units—a 16% increase. The company established an overseas business unit to better serve international markets.
Only FAW Hongta saw a slight drop, attributed to a lack of long-term export strategy.
**Import Data Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story**
According to China Automobile Industry Association data, total truck exports from January to May reached 527,010 units, up 48.06% year-on-year. Heavy-duty truck exports (over 14 tons) rose 34.6% to 3,095 units. While some claim imports are rising, the numbers don’t support the idea that foreign trucks are threatening domestic brands.
In fact, imported truck numbers have been declining for years due to domestic competition. Even with recent increases, they remain far below historical levels and are not a serious threat.
**Domestic Trucks Are Not Behind in Technology or Service**
Some argue that domestic trucks lag behind in technology and service, but this is not entirely true. Major companies have made significant improvements in product quality, service policies, and after-sales support. For example, Sinotruk now has 500 service centers, with plans to expand to 1,000 within two to three years. Shaanxi Auto has expanded its service network through partnerships, reaching over 1,000 locations.
While imported trucks may have advanced technology, their service infrastructure and pricing are often less competitive. Many users find high parts prices and slow maintenance unacceptably expensive, even if they can afford the initial purchase.
**Conclusion: No Need to Overstate the Threat**
Although the domestic heavy truck industry has faced challenges in recent years, the idea that it is being outcompeted by imports is exaggerated. Domestic brands have grown significantly and continue to improve. There is no need to inflate concerns or create unnecessary fear. China’s heavy trucks are maturing and will continue to compete successfully both at home and abroad.
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Changzhou Dahua-Luckypower , https://www.czluckypowertech.com