The benefits of zero tariffs continue to be released, with a surge in domestic low-flatbed semi-trailer export orders to Africa in July.
(Reporter from Liangshan Trailer Industrial Park, Correspondent) July 2026 Since China fully implemented its zero-tariff trade policy with 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations on May 1st this year, trade in infrastructure-related transportation equipment between China and Africa has continued to heat up. Entering July, Liangshan, Shandong, a core industrial belt for trailers in China, ushered in its peak export season. Inquiries and bulk orders for four-axle hydraulic ramp low-bed semi-trailers suitable for transporting construction machinery surged simultaneously. Orders from the African market accounted for over 42% of total exports, becoming the core driving force for the growth of the trailer industry's foreign trade.
Policy Dividends Implemented, Procurement Costs Significantly Reduced, African Customers Place Orders in Concentration
According to the announcement of the State Council Tariff Commission, from May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2028, all domestically produced semi-trailers and core components shipped to the 53 African countries with which China has diplomatic relations enjoy zero-tariff treatment, covering countries with strong infrastructure demand such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. Previously, African importers had to pay import tariffs of 15%-25% on Chinese trailers. After the policy was implemented, the overall procurement cost of a single four-axle low-flatbed trailer decreased by more than 20%, leading to a surge in demand from local engineering rental companies, logistics enterprises, and infrastructure contractors.
Industry survey data shows that in July, the Liangshan trailer factory completed an average of 3-5 batches of customized orders from African customers daily, with each batch typically consisting of 5 to 20 units, a 23% increase compared to June. In the first ten days of July alone, companies in the industrial park delivered over 120 four-axle low-flatbed trailers to Ghana, Congo, Cameroon, Zambia, and other countries. All trailers are equipped with hydraulic spring ladders, 90# heavy-duty towing pins, and mechanical spring suspension, making them suitable for muddy and damaged unpaved road conditions in rural Africa
Infrastructure development in Africa is accelerating across the board, and the demand for low-flatbed trailers continues to expand.
Currently, many African countries are simultaneously advancing the construction of new highways, mines, hydropower stations, and industrial parks. A large number of excavators, loaders, road rollers, rotary drilling rigs, and mining crushing equipment require long-distance transport, making 50-80 ton four-axle low-bed semi-trailers a necessity in the local logistics market.
Demand is driven by road and mining projects: the expansion of a refinery park in Nigeria, the extension of the standard gauge railway in Kenya, and the concentrated commencement of mining projects in Tanzania have led infrastructure contractors to purchase low-bed trailers in large quantities for transporting heavy engineering equipment.
The leasing industry is experiencing explosive growth: the local construction machinery leasing industry in Africa is rapidly emerging, with small and medium-sized leasing companies purchasing new domestically produced low-bed trailers in bulk to replace older, second-hand imported trailers.
The vehicle's adaptability to road conditions is outstanding: domestic manufacturers have optimized models for the African market, featuring standard equipment such as thickened Q355 manganese steel beams, 12.00R20 heavy-duty tires, mechanical spring suspension, and dual hydraulic ramps. This allows for easy loading and unloading of excavators without additional lifting equipment, perfectly suited to the local conditions of limited professional lifting equipment and poor road conditions.
Unlike city standard container trailers and tank trailers, low-flatbed semi-trailers directly serve infrastructure projects. With the opening up of trade and circulation in the African Continental Free Trade Area, a single trailer can operate across multiple African countries, and the zero-tariff policy further enhances the cost-effectiveness of purchasing these vehicles.
Exported models have distinct characteristics; African customers prefer standardized heavy-duty four-axle low-bed trailers.
Based on the vehicle configurations ordered in July, African buyers showed a high degree of uniformity in their demands, primarily for four-axle hydraulic ladder low-bed semi-trailers. Core customization requirements focused on four key areas:
Load Capacity: Standard 50-60 tons, reinforced version can carry 70-80 tons, suitable for transporting 20-60 ton excavators;
Walking System: Mechanical spring suspension is preferred due to its simpler maintenance and cheaper parts compared to air suspension, making it suitable for the less developed maintenance infrastructure in Africa. 12.00R20 heavy-duty off-road tires are standard;
Loading/Unloading Structure: Standard rear-mounted dual hydraulic spring ladders with anti-slip teeth allow for autonomous loading and unloading, reducing on-site operating costs;
Heavy-Duty Equipment: Standard 90# assembled towing pins, 28-ton dual-speed heavy-duty outriggers, and dual-circuit air brake system. Some high-end customers opted for WABCO ABS braking to enhance long-distance driving safety.
At the factory production workshop, it can be seen that in July, the production line prioritized production of African orders. The orange hydraulic ladder low flatbed trailers were completed in batches and loaded onto trucks to be shipped to Qingdao and Rizhao ports for sea transport. The orders for cement silos and container skeleton trailers for export also increased slightly, but the growth rate of orders for engineering low flatbed trailers far exceeded that of other products.
Industry forecast: Trailer exports from Africa will continue to rise in the second half of the year.
Trailer export industry experts point out that the zero-tariff policy will last for two years. Together with large-scale infrastructure projects rolling out across Africa, another big purchasing boom is expected between August and October.
To better serve African customers, Chinese trailer factories are upgrading their products specially for the African market. This includes improved anti-rust painting, stocking spare parts in overseas warehouses, and launching new lightweight, extendable and widened lowbed trailers, helping Chinese trailers maintain a strong market position in Africa.
In addition, many African customs authorities have simplified clearance procedures for Chinese trailers, providing a faster and smoother trade channel. Export companies are advised to prepare inspection documents, certificates of origin and other paperwork in advance. This allows them to fully take advantage of the zero-tariff policy and seize the great market opportunities brought by Africa's booming infrastructure construction.
