The last quarter of the year is when smart overseas truck buyers make their move — and 2026's Q4 comes with an unusual extra reason to act early.
1. The Subsidy Deadline Releases Quality Stock
China's RMB 22 billion national programme to scrap old heavy trucks expires on December 31, 2026. For domestic fleet owners, the countdown is now under 90 days. The practical effect for overseas buyers: as Chinese operators rush to retire pre-Euro-V trucks before the deadline, a wave of well-maintained, professionally retired units is entering the used export market in November and December. These are exactly the inspected, verified trucks that fetch the best service life abroad — and the best prices, before demand catches up.
2. Shipping Space Gets Scarce After Mid-December
Industry forecasts put China's heavy truck exports at 36,000–40,000 units per month through October–December, with RoRo and container space tightening around the Christmas holidays. Realistic planning timeline for a used tractor or dump truck:
- Order by mid-November: inspection, refurbishment and customs clearance complete by early December — smooth sailing
- Order in December: expect holiday congestion at ports and carriers' peak-season surcharges
- Order after mid-December: delivery likely slips past Chinese New Year (mid-February 2027), when factories and inspection services pause for the holidays
3. Q4 Is Also When the Best Deals Appear
Exporters manage inventory targets at year-end, and motivated sellers move on price. Combined with the subsidy-driven influx of trade-in stock, November 2026 offers the widest selection and the most negotiable pricing of the entire year for used HOWO, Shacman and FAW units.
Our Recommendation
Shortlist your units now, request inspection videos, and lock a shipping booking before mid-November. ZS Truck (Shandong Zhongsheng) handles the full chain — sourcing, third-party inspection, documentation, RoRo or container shipping, and a starter parts package — to buyers in over 100 countries. Browse current stock or send us your target spec and destination port for a same-week quotation.
