An excavator from China for half the local market price? It sounds like a great deal—at least until you calculate the total landed cost.

As the construction season begins, demand for construction and landscaping equipment rises sharply. But is importing machinery from China really worth it?

We spoke with Marta Suchodoła, Head of Multimodal Transport at BGT Group, to find out.

Is It Worth Importing Excavators from China?

In many cases, yes—provided that all costs are carefully analysed, including transportation, customs, and other logistics expenses.

Every year, the start of the construction season brings a noticeable increase in enquiries about importing machinery from Asia. Companies are looking for ways to reduce procurement costs, whether by purchasing directly from manufacturers or sourcing equipment through popular online marketplaces.

What Does an Excavator from China Really Cost?

The purchase price of the equipment typically represents only 50–60% of the total investment.

To determine the actual cost, importers should also include:

• International freight (by sea or rail);
• Inland transportation to the final destination;
• Customs clearance, import duties, and VAT;
• Potential storage charges at ports or warehouses;
• Cargo insurance.

A Practical Example

A mini excavator purchased in China for USD 10,000 may ultimately cost the importer USD 16,000–18,000 once transportation, customs charges, taxes, and other logistics costs have been added.

When Does Importing Construction Equipment Stop Being Cost-Effective?

Importing from China becomes less attractive when purchasing relatively inexpensive machinery, as logistics costs can absorb much of the initial price advantage.

The same applies to single-unit purchases. Without the economies of scale available for larger shipments, transportation costs per unit are significantly higher. This is particularly true for Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments.

Smaller orders also offer less negotiating power with suppliers, reducing the likelihood of obtaining volume discounts.

In addition, companies importing without the support of an experienced freight forwarding partner often face unexpected operational costs, port delays, and administrative challenges. These additional expenses can narrow—or even eliminate—the price difference between importing equipment from Asia and purchasing it locally, while still leaving the buyer without local warranty coverage or after-sales support.

What About Warranty and After-Sales Service?

When importing directly from China, access to spare parts and technical support is generally more limited and considerably slower than when purchasing through a local distributor.

This represents one of the most significant risks. Equipment downtime caused by unavailable replacement parts can lead to costly project delays and substantial financial losses.

Advice for Companies Considering an Import

Importing excavators and other construction equipment from China can be a highly cost-effective solution—but only if every stage of the process is carefully analysed, accurately costed, and professionally managed.

The price quoted by the supplier should be viewed as only the starting point. It does not reflect the total investment required.

The true cost of the project becomes clear only after every relevant expense has been taken into account.

Only a comprehensive assessment of all financial, logistical, and operational factors allows companies to accurately evaluate the profitability of an import project while minimising the risk of unexpected costs.

Import Checklist: What Should You Verify Before Buying?

Costs and Taxes

• Do you know the total landed cost, rather than just the purchase price?
• Have you included every transport-related expense, including sea or rail freight, insurance, storage, and inland transportation?
• Do you know the applicable customs duty and VAT rates for your equipment?

Logistics and Delivery Times

• Do you understand the realistic delivery timeframe and potential risks such as port congestion, customs procedures, or seasonal delays?
• Have you arranged a freight forwarding partner that can manage the entire import process from origin to destination?

Compliance with EU Regulations

• Are you certain the equipment complies with European Union requirements, including CE certification and the necessary technical documentation?
• Have you considered the risk of the equipment being refused entry to the EU market or requiring costly modifications to meet regulatory standards?

Operational Risks

• Have you factored in the absence of a local warranty and limited access to after-sales service and spare parts?
• Have you assessed the potential cost of equipment downtime and future repair expenses?

Conclusion

Importing construction equipment from China can deliver significant savings—but only when decisions are based on the total cost of ownership, rather than the purchase price alone.

A thorough evaluation of logistics, customs, regulatory compliance, and after-sales support is essential to determining whether importing is genuinely more cost-effective than buying locally. With the right planning and an experienced logistics partner, businesses can minimise risk, control costs, and make informed investment decisions.