Kelude Heavy Industry 2026 H1 Export Review: SE Asia +29%
Key Figures
In the first half of 2026, Henan Kelude Heavy Industry sustained its strong export growth momentum—export orders rose 29% year-over-year, and exports surpassed 35% of total revenue for the first time. All three core markets delivered gains: Southeast Asia posted steady order growth, the Middle East secured dual SABER + CE certification for market access in Saudi Arabia, and Central Asia obtained EAC (Eurasian Economic Union) certification, filling the void left by Russian brands exiting the market. European Standard (FEM/DIN) models accounted for over 80% of export shipments, with full variable-frequency drive, electronic anti-sway control, and hardened gear reducers now standard on all export units.
Southeast Asia: Japanese and Korean Plant Endorsements Boost European Standard Credibility
Southeast Asia—Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia—remains the cornerstone of Kelude's export business, accounting for roughly 45% of total H1 export value. Growth in this region is driven by two factors: new plant construction from manufacturing relocation (textiles, electronics, automotive parts) and rising acceptance of Chinese European Standard cranes among Japanese and Korean investors. While these investors previously specified Japanese Kobe Steel or Korean Doosan cranes, Kelude's LHX/QDX models—with CE certification, full VFD, and 3–4 month delivery (versus 6–8 months for Japanese and Korean brands)—have now replaced Japanese and Korean equipment in multiple electronics and automotive parts plants.
Primary models: 10t–50t LHX European Standard electric hoist double-girder cranes and QDX European Standard hoist winch double-girder cranes, configured for A4 to A5 general-duty applications. The largest single order in Vietnam came from a Chinese-invested textile park, which purchased 12 units of 32t double-girder cranes.
Middle East: CE + SABER Dual Certification Opens the Saudi Market
The Middle East was the standout performer in H1. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is fueling mega-projects—NEOM, Red Sea tourism developments, and 2027 Asian Cup venues—creating solid demand for 50t–150t European Standard double-girder bridge cranes and large-span gantry cranes. Kelude completed dual certification in the first half: SABER (Saudi Product Safety Program) plus CE, making it one of the few Chinese European Standard crane manufacturers qualified to bid on Saudi government and state-owned enterprise tenders.
The SABER certification process took roughly five months, including factory audits, product testing, and document review. With certification in hand, Kelude can now compete head-to-head with European brands like DEMAG and Konecranes on Saudi government and SOE projects. In H1, the company was awarded a contract for six 100t double-girder bridge cranes for an oilfield project in Iraq, and the first demo units for the Saudi market are now in production.
Central Asia: EAC Certification Fills the Void Left by Russian Brands
Central Asia—Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan—was the fastest-growing region in H1, with order value up more than 50% year-over-year. The core driver: Chinese brands have rapidly filled the market gap left by Russian crane manufacturers exiting the region due to sanctions. Kelude obtained EAC (Eurasian Economic Union) certification in H1—a mandatory requirement for market access to Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan, equivalent to CE in the EU.
Primary models: 20t–50t general purpose bridge cranes (QD Type to Chinese standard and LHX to European Standard), serving mining and infrastructure applications. A copper mine in Kazakhstan purchased four 32t European Standard double-girder cranes for its ore processing workshop.
Export Overview Across Three Key Markets
| Market | Export Share | Main Model | certification requirements | key advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast Asia | ~45% | 10t~50t LHX/QDX | CE / GB | Japan & South Korea Factory Approval+delivery time3~4Monthly |
| Middle East | ~30% | 50t~150t Double Girder+Gantry Crane | CE + SABER | Certification Full Range+Price Advantage40~50% |
| Central Asia | ~20% | 20t~50t QD/LHX | EAC | Filling the Gap of Russian-Brand Cranes+Rail Transport |
| Others | ~5% | Customized Model | On Demand | South America/Africa Initial Market Probe |
Export Service Capabilities
Overseas Service Network: In the first half of the year, authorized service centers were established in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Jakarta, Indonesia, in partnership with local lifting equipment engineering firms. These centers stock common spare parts—including reducer seals, brake friction linings, and VFD modules—and can respond to routine faults within 48 hours. Coverage in the Middle East and Central Asia is currently handled through remote CMS diagnostic systems and scheduled inspections, with a Middle East service hub planned for Dubai in the second half of 2026.
Export Credit Insurance: We have secured export credit insurance through Sinosure, with 37 categories of heavy equipment covered under a RMB 980 million premium subsidy program. This policy protects against political risks and buyer default, safeguarding overseas payment security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How are payment terms structured for export orders?
A: The standard contract terms are 30% advance payment, 60% due before shipment, and a 10% balance upon acceptance. Irrevocable letters of credit (L/C) are accepted for large projects, and all export orders are covered by Sinosure export credit insurance. We have maintained a zero bad-debt record since we began exporting three years ago.
Q: What is the difference between SABER and CE certification?
A: CE certification is a mandatory EU requirement focused on safety and environmental compliance, while SABER is Saudi Arabia's dedicated certification that builds on CE by adding energy-efficiency and local standard requirements. Companies that already hold CE certification can typically shorten the SABER approval cycle by approximately 40%.
Q: How are exported cranes packed and shipped?
A: Main girders and end carriages are shipped in fully enclosed, moisture-proof sea freight packing—featuring rust-inhibiting primer, marine-grade wax, moisture-barrier film, and a steel frame. Electrical cabinets and VFDs are individually packed in wooden cases with desiccant. Standard sea freight transit times: 7–12 days to Southeast Asia, 18–25 days to the Middle East, and approximately 15–20 days by rail to Central Asia.
Q: Is the after-sales warranty for export orders the same as domestic ones?
A: Yes. The complete crane carries an 18-month warranty (identical to domestic terms), with structural components covered for 5 years. Overseas customers additionally receive access to our remote CMS diagnostic system, which provides real-time monitoring of crane operating conditions and sends fault early warnings to both the Kelude technical center and the customer's mobile device. Semi-annual inspections are included throughout the warranty period.
Source: Kelude Heavy Industry International Trade Division, H1 2026
