China has become one of the world’s most competitive sources of agricultural equipment, especially harvesting machinery. For importers, wholesalers and distributors supplying farmers across Africa and other emerging markets, the opportunity is huge—but so are the risks if sourcing and logistics are not handled correctly.

Wigmore Trading supports businesses that want to buy and export harvesting machinery from China efficiently, compliantly and at the right total cost.

Why source harvesting machinery from China?

Chinese manufacturers have significantly improved the quality and reliability of their agricultural machinery over the last decade. Today, many factories offer:

• Competitive pricing compared with European or US brands

• A wide range of models to suit smallholder and large-scale farms

• Customisation options for specific crops and field conditions

• Spare parts availability and technical support via authorised partners

For importers and distributors, this creates a strong value proposition: you can supply your local market with cost-effective harvesters, combine harvesters and attachments while maintaining attractive margins.

However, to export harvesting machinery from China successfully, you must manage supplier selection, compliance, quality checks and cross-border logistics with care. That’s where a specialist trading partner like Wigmore Trading can help.

Key types of harvesting machinery to export

Depending on your customer base and local farming practices, you may be looking to buy and export:

• Combine harvesters – for cereals such as wheat, maize and rice

• Maize and corn harvesters – designed for row crops and rough fields

• Rice harvesters – tracked units suitable for wet and muddy paddy conditions

• Sugarcane harvesters – heavy-duty machines for plantation-scale operations

• Forage and fodder harvesters – for silage and animal feed production

• Harvesting attachments – headers, cutters and pickup units for existing tractors

Wigmore Trading can help you identify suitable manufacturers in China for each category, comparing technical specifications, certifications, minimum order quantities and lead times.

Common challenges when exporting harvesting machinery from China

Even experienced importers face obstacles, especially on their first orders:

• Finding reliable factories – Thousands of suppliers exist, but not all meet export standards.

• Technical specification mismatches – Machines must fit local fuel types, terrain and spare parts availability.

• Quality control – Without on-the-ground inspections, you risk receiving substandard equipment.

• Complex shipping and handling – Oversized machinery requires careful packing, loading and documentation.

• Customs and compliance issues – Incorrect HS codes, valuations or certificates can cause delays and extra costs.

Wigmore Trading helps reduce these risks by managing supplier vetting, inspections, export paperwork and international logistics from China to your chosen port. Wigmore Trading can help you focus on sales and after-sales support instead of chasing freight and documentation.

How Wigmore Trading supports your sourcing

When you choose to buy and export harvesting machinery from China with Wigmore Trading, you gain a partner experienced in African and international trade. Our team can:

• Shortlist trusted Chinese manufacturers based on your budget and technical needs

• Negotiate pricing, payment terms and Incoterms on your behalf

• Arrange factory visits or third-party inspection before shipment

• Coordinate packaging, loading and shipment for oversized machinery

• Manage documentation to support smooth customs clearance

Whether you are a wholesaler supplying dealers, an agribusiness group, or a government project, Wigmore Trading can structure the export to match your project timelines and financing arrangements.

Documentation, compliance and logistics

Exporting heavy agricultural machinery involves more than just a purchase invoice. Typical documentation includes:

• Commercial invoice and packing list

• Bill of lading or airway bill

• Certificate of origin

• Product manuals and technical data sheets

• Insurance certificates

• Any required conformity or quality certificates for your destination country

Wigmore Trading works with shipping lines and logistics partners experienced in handling agricultural equipment, ensuring machines are properly secured, protected from corrosion and clearly labelled for easy identification at the destination port. Get in touch with our team to learn more about the documentation required for your specific market.

Practical tips for importers and distributors

To maximise your returns when you export harvesting machinery from China:

• Understand your market – Confirm which crops, acreage sizes and power ranges are in demand.

• Plan after-sales service – Secure spare parts and basic training for technicians and operators.

• Start with a pilot order – Test one or two models in your market before scaling up.

• Check seasonal timing – Align shipping and arrival dates with local harvest cycles.

• Work with an experienced partner – Use Wigmore Trading to bridge language, cultural and regulatory gaps.

By following these steps, you can build a sustainable business supplying harvesting machinery to farmers who need reliable, affordable equipment.

Ready to export harvesting machinery from China?

If you are exploring new suppliers or want to expand your agricultural machinery range, Wigmore Trading can help you move from enquiry to delivered machines with confidence.

Contact Wigmore Trading today to streamline your sourcing and export harvesting machinery from China efficiently and profitably.