China has become a global hub for heavy equipment manufacturing, and many importers are looking to buy and export lifting machinery from China to stay competitive. From cranes and hoists to forklifts and lifting platforms, sourcing the right equipment at the right price can transform your operations – if it’s done correctly.

Wigmore Trading helps businesses across Africa and beyond navigate this process, ensuring safe, compliant and cost-effective imports.

Why source lifting machinery from China?

Chinese manufacturers now produce a wide range of lifting machinery that meets international performance and safety standards. Key advantages include:

• Cost savings compared to European or US manufacturers

• Large product range – from light-duty hoists to heavy gantry cranes

• Customisation options for specific industry needs

• Improving quality standards backed by certifications and factory audits

However, to successfully export lifting machinery from China, you need more than a good factory price. Quality control, compliance, shipping and documentation all play a critical role.

Types of lifting machinery commonly exported

When importers look to export lifting machinery from China, they are often sourcing:

• Cranes – overhead cranes, gantry cranes, jib cranes for warehouses, ports and construction

• Forklifts and reach trucks – for logistics hubs, warehouses and manufacturing plants

• Electric and manual hoists – chain and wire rope hoists for workshops and factories

• Lifting platforms and scissor lifts – for maintenance, construction and retail environments

• Material handling systems – pallet stackers, conveyors and related equipment

Wigmore Trading can help you identify manufacturers for the specific capacity, power source, lifting height and duty cycle you require.

Key challenges when exporting lifting machinery from China

Buying direct from an online supplier might look easy, but heavy equipment comes with added complexity:

• Verifying manufacturers – distinguishing true factories from trading companies

• Quality and safety standards – ensuring the machinery meets CE, ISO or other relevant standards

• Technical specifications – checking that lifting capacity, duty rating and components match your operational needs

• Export documentation – preparing invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin and any inspection reports

• Freight and handling – managing oversized cargo, container loading and shipping insurance

If any of these steps are mishandled, you risk costly delays, non-compliant machinery, or equipment that fails prematurely.

How Wigmore Trading simplifies the process

Wigmore Trading acts as your on-the-ground partner to buy and export lifting machinery from China with confidence. Our team can:

• Source vetted factories producing cranes, hoists, forklifts and lifting platforms

• Negotiate pricing and terms that reflect real market conditions

• Arrange factory inspections and quality checks before shipment

• Coordinate testing and compliance documentation where required

• Consolidate shipments if you are buying multiple machines or spare parts

• Handle export logistics from port selection to containerization and shipping

Instead of dealing with multiple suppliers and uncertain communication, you work through a single, experienced partner. Wigmore Trading can help you reduce risk and save time across the entire procurement cycle.

Compliance, safety and documentation

Lifting machinery is safety-critical. Many destination markets require proof that equipment meets specific standards or has been inspected before use. Wigmore Trading supports you with:

• Correct HS codes and customs classifications

• Certificates of origin and, where applicable, conformity or inspection certificates

• Detailed packing lists for heavy and oversized cargo

• Coordination with surveyors or inspection agencies if your bank or authorities require it

By aligning documentation with your local regulatory requirements, we help you avoid delays at the border and issues with insurance or workplace safety regulators.

Logistics and delivery to Africa and beyond

For importers in Africa and other emerging markets, choosing the right shipping route and port is crucial. Wigmore Trading can arrange:

• FCL and LCL shipments for lifting machinery and spare parts

• Port-to-port or door-to-door solutions depending on your needs

• Cargo insurance and tracking for high-value equipment

• Onward distribution across your local market where possible

Our experience in African trade means we understand the realities at destination ports and can help you plan accordingly.

Ready to export lifting machinery from China?

Whether you are expanding a warehouse, upgrading a factory or investing in port equipment, partnering with an experienced trading company makes a real difference.

Contact Wigmore Trading today to streamline your sourcing, protect your investment and ensure that the lifting machinery you import from China is safe, compliant and ready for work.