Top Trade Routes for Heavy Machinery in 2025

09.10.2025

Global demand for heavy machinery shipping continues to rise in 2025 — driven by large-scale infrastructure projects, construction booms in developing countries, and cross-border industrial growth.

From the USA to Africa, Europe, and Asia, logistics companies are moving more excavators, bulldozers, cranes, and agricultural equipment than ever before.

 

USA → Africa (West & East)

 

Africa remains one of the fastest-growing destinations for heavy equipment exports.

According to 2025 trade data from the U.S. International Trade Administration, exports of used heavy machinery to Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania grew by +14.7% year-over-year.

 

Why this route is booming:

  • Expanding mining and infrastructure projects in West Africa

  • High demand for American-made Caterpillar and John Deere equipment

  • Affordable ocean freight from Savannah Port (USA) to Lagos and Mombasa

 

Key ports:

Savannah ???????? → Lagos ???????? | Tema ???????? | Mombasa ????????

 

USA → Middle East

 

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are investing heavily in renewable energy, oil, and urban infrastructure.

In 2025, shipments of heavy construction machinery to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar increased by 9.2% compared to 2024.

 

Why it matters:

  • Ongoing megaprojects like NEOM City and Expo City Dubai

  • Preferential trade terms for American manufacturers

  • Efficient containerized shipping through the Port of Savannah and Port of Houston

 

Key ports:

Houston ???????? / Savannah ???????? → Jebel Ali ???????? | Dammam ???????? | Doha ????????

 

China → Southeast Asia

 

China continues to be the world’s largest exporter of new heavy machinery, especially excavators and loaders.

In 2025, trade volumes between China and ASEAN nations rose by 11%, according to the World Shipping Council.

 

Top products shipped:

  • Industrial cranes

  • Hydraulic excavators

  • Mining equipment

 

Key ports:

Ningbo ???????? → Ho Chi Minh ???????? | Manila ???????? | Bangkok ????????

 

Europe → North America

 

Europe’s premium machinery brands — Volvo, Liebherr, MAN, and JCB — maintain strong demand in the U.S. and Canada.

In 2025, machinery imports from Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden to the U.S. increased by 6.5%, worth nearly $9.8 billion in trade value.

 

Why it’s growing:

  • Renewable energy and smart-construction projects in North America

  • High quality of European machinery

  • Shorter shipping times via Atlantic routes

 

Key ports:

Rotterdam ???????? | Hamburg ???????? → New York ???????? | Savannah ???????? | Montreal ????????

 

USA → South America

 

South America continues to import heavy equipment for agricultural and construction expansion.

In 2025, trade data shows +8.3% growth in machinery exports to Brazil, Chile, and Peru.

 

Main goods shipped:

  • Tractors and harvesters

  • Road construction machinery

  • Mining and quarry equipment

 

Key ports:

Savannah ???????? | Miami ???????? → Santos ???????? | Callao ???????? | Valparaíso ????????

 

Global Shipping Statistics (2025 Snapshot)

  • The global heavy machinery shipping market is projected to reach USD 110 billion by 2030, growing at 5.4% CAGR.

  • 90% of heavy equipment is moved via ocean freight.

  • The Port of Savannah remains the fastest-growing U.S. container port, handling over 5.7 million TEUs annually (Georgia Ports Authority, 2025).

  • Container shipping rates for machinery remain stable, averaging $2,600–$3,000 per FEU on most major trade routes (DHL Global Freight Update, 2025).

 

At All Cargo Export, we specialize in safe, efficient, and transparent loading of heavy machinery, offering:

  • Secure containerization

  • Detailed photo reports

  • Full insurance options

  • Global coordination through our offices in Savannah (USA) and Ningbo (China)