The China Machine Tool and Tool Builders’ Association (CMTBA) released its latest business statistics based on data from China Customs on May 20. These figures offer insights into the operations of China's machine tool industry, particularly regarding imports and exports for the first quarter of this year. This quarter marked a shift from a slight year-over-year decline in 2024 to an overall increase.
The total value of imports and exports in China's machine tool industry for the first quarter reached $7.7 billion, reflecting a 2.1% increase compared to the previous year. Notably, imports amounted to $2.37 billion but continued to decline, decreasing by 5.6% year over year. In contrast, exports totaled $5.33 billion, demonstrating a consistent growth of 5.9% year-over-year.
Cumulative imports of machine tools included metal-cutting machines valued at $1.14 billion, which represented a 6.7% decrease year over year. The top five imported machine tool varieties were machining centers ($430 million), special processing machines ($240 million), grinding machines ($170 million), gear-generating machines ($130 million), and turning machines ($80 million). Additional figures included core components valued at $300 million (down 6.25%), cutting tools at $290 million (down 6.45%), CNC control systems at $240 million (up 9.1%), abrasives at $170 million (up 6.25%), metal-forming machines at $140 million (down 26.32%), and measurement and inspection devices at $40 million (unchanged).
CIMT 2025, the 19th China International Machine Tool Show, was held in Beijing from April 21 to April 26. The event took place in two exhibition centers, covering 310,000 square meters across 17 halls. The China International Exhibition Center (CIEC) covered 100,000 square meters in eight halls, while the Capital International Exhibition & Convention Center (CIECC) spanned 210,000 square meters in nine halls.
According to the post-event report by CMTBA, there were over 2,400 exhibitors, including 1,550 from China and more than 870 from overseas. The show attracted 221,993 visitors, an increase of 36.81% compared to the previous event.
There were 27 exhibitors at the AMT/USA Pavilion, including the AMT Info Booth, which promoted IMTS 2026 and demonstrated the MTConnect protocol with 8 CNC machines. AMT's partner, iSISO, developed an application that collected data from the 8 CNC machines and displayed it in real time on a dashboard in the booth.
A few recently announced projects and investment news items are listed below for your reference.
Shaanxi Fast Auto Drive Group is investing $43.78 million to build a new facility in Xianyang for machining, heat treatment, and assembly. The project includes purchasing 160 sets of equipment, with an annual production capacity of 2,000 transmission systems for agricultural machinery.
Jian Ruida Automotive Parts is investing $16.44 million to produce automotive carbon fiber parts, aiming for an annual output of 100,000 pieces.
Jiangsu Renhe Wind Energy Science & Technology is investing $57.53 million to manufacture components for offshore wind energy generators.
Shunhang (Anhui) Precision Manufacturing is investing $69.86 million to build two facilities and purchase die-casting machines for production lines related to manufacturing components for electric vehicles and household appliances.
Kostal Powertrain Systems is investing $30.15 million in a new production project located in the automotive hub of Jiading, Shanghai.
For more information, please contact Fred Qian at fredqian@AMTchina.org
