Overhead and Gantry Cranes in Saudi Arabia: Stable Demand and Reliance on Imports

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is fueling major investments in infrastructure, energy, and logistics, driving steady demand for overhead and gantry cranes.

According to the ITC Trade Map, Saudi Arabia ranked 17th among global importers in 2024, with the market still dependent on imports—over half of which come from China. This highlights the critical role of international crane suppliers in meeting Saudi Arabia’s market demand. Among them, DGCRANE brings proven expertise and tailored solutions to support the Kingdom’s ongoing development.

Demand for Overhead and Gantry Cranes in Key Saudi Industries

Precast Concrete Plant

Saudi Arabia is the largest and fastest-growing construction market in the Middle East. Driven by Vision 2030, private sector investments, and ongoing reforms, the sector is experiencing rapid growth. Large-scale housing and infrastructure projects have fueled rising demand for building materials and related equipment. In projects such as the Riyadh Metro, gantry cranes are widely used for lifting and transporting precast beams, ensuring both efficiency and safety.

Automotive

Beyond construction, the Kingdom’s industrial transformation is also creating new opportunities. With the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs) and the establishment of local manufacturing plants, Saudi Arabia’s automotive industry is undergoing rapid growth—forecast by the Industry Center to expand by 12% by 2030. In assembly workshops, workstation bridge cranes are widely applied for precision handling of automotive parts, helping improve efficiency while maintaining flexibility and safety.

Ports and Logistics

Alongside construction and automotive, the ports and logistics sector is another pillar of crane demand in Saudi Arabia. As the Kingdom strengthens its role as a regional trade hub, modern port equipment has become indispensable. In key projects such as NEOM, Dammam, and Yanbu, fully automated quay cranes, electric RTGs, and RMGs are being deployed to increase capacity, reduce emissions, and enhance operational efficiency.

As Arab News highlighted, modern cranes not only improve technical performance but also upgrade workforce skills and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the global logistics chain.

Other Industrial Applications

Beyond these leading sectors, overhead and gantry cranes are also integral to aerospace, steel production, railway construction, and general manufacturing. From heavy lifting to precision assembly, cranes continue to support the Kingdom’s rapid industrial expansion.

Saudi Arabia Crane Market: Reliance on Imports, China as the Top Supplier

According to ITC Trade Map data, in 2024 Saudi Arabia’s imports of bridge cranes, gantry cranes, and related lifting equipment (HS842619) reached 49,565 thousand USD, ranking 17th among global importers. At the same time, the trade balance for this category was -45,222 thousand USD, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s limited exports and a strong reliance on imports in the crane sector.

China is Saudi Arabia’s largest source of imports in this category, with an import value of 26,273 thousand USD in 2024, accounting for 53% of the Kingdom’s total imports. This dominance highlights China’s pivotal role in meeting Saudi demand, supported by competitive pricing and wide product availability.

Why China is the Largest Supplier of Cranes to Saudi Arabia

• Strong Manufacturing Base: China has a complete industrial manufacturing system, covering steel production, machining, and electrical systems. This integrated supply chain enables large-scale production and cost efficiency for crane equipment.
• Industrial Cluster Advantage: Changyuan in Henan Province is known as the “Hometown of Cranes,” home to hundreds of crane and component manufacturers. It has hosted the International Crane and Hoist Equipment Expo for consecutive years—reaching its 10th edition in 2025—forming a globally recognized industry hub.
• Globally Renowned Enterprises: Leading Chinese crane manufacturers such as Weihua Group, ZPMC (Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries), and DHHI (Dalian Huarui Heavy Industry) are highly recognized worldwide, with successful projects across ports, steel mills, and infrastructure sectors.
• Cost Competitiveness and Customization: Compared with European and Japanese suppliers, Chinese companies provide high-quality equipment at more competitive prices. They also offer fast, customized solutions for non-standard projects, which is particularly attractive to Saudi buyers seeking efficiency and value.
• Belt and Road Initiative Support: Under the China–Saudi strategic partnership and the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese manufacturers benefit from favorable policies, financing channels, and logistics support, which further facilitates equipment exports to the Kingdom.
• Proven Export Experience: As the world’s top crane exporter, China has extensive experience in international projects and is familiar with global standards and certifications (CE, ISO, SASO). This ensures smooth compliance and reliable performance in the Saudi market.

Why Choose DGCRANE for Overhead and Gantry Cranes in Saudi Arabia

At DGCRANE, we know that success in Saudi Arabia depends not only on advanced lifting solutions but also on reliable service and local adaptability. That’s why every project we deliver is supported by tailored solutions, professional guidance, and long-term partnership.

Practical Compliance, Built-In

• Designed with Saudi operational and safety standards in mind.
• Documentation and support aligned with SASO and international requirements, ensuring smooth project approval.

Service That Keeps You Moving

• Flexible Procurement: Complete cranes or component-based solutions to reduce freight costs and shorten delivery time.
• Installation & Commissioning: Professional engineers on-site to ensure a safe and efficient start-up.
• Reliable Logistics: Sea freight as standard, with air freight or door-to-door options for urgent needs.
• Ongoing Support: Spare parts, remote guidance, and responsive technical service to keep your equipment performing long-term.

With DGCRANE, you gain more than equipment—you secure a dependable partner committed to safety, efficiency, and uninterrupted operations in Saudi Arabia.

DGCRANE at the 2025 Saudi Engineering & Mining Exhibition

In May 2025, DGCRANE participated in the 2025 Saudi Engineering & Mining Exhibition, a key industry event that brings together leading players in engineering, construction, and mining sectors. By showcasing advanced lifting solutions tailored to the needs of large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects, DGCRANE further strengthened its visibility and connections within the Saudi market.

This active participation demonstrates DGCRANE’s commitment to the region and highlights its competitive advantages in Saudi Arabia—combining international expertise with localized services to support the Kingdom’s ongoing infrastructure and industrial development under Vision 2030.

Flexible Procurement Programs – Shipping Savings Up to 90%

In Middle Eastern markets (including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar), local bridge and gantry crane manufacturers are generally capable of steel structure fabrication and assembly. However, importing complete cranes often means high shipping costs and long lead times. To address this, we offer a Flexible Procurement Solution that reduces freight costs, shortens delivery times, and ensures reliable equipment quality and performance.

Option 1: Complete Crane Export Features Entire crane manufactured and assembled in China. Simple installation at destination before use. Best For Projects requiring fast installation. Locations with limited steel structure processing capacity. Clients need full factory testing. Shipping Cost 5t single girder to Paraguay: $8,700

Option 2: Component Export Features DGCRANE supplies key parts (trolley, electrical system, end beams, etc.). Main girder fabricated or sourced locally. Best For Areas with steel structure manufacturing capability. Long-distance shipments with high sea freight costs. Cost-sensitive projects needing major logistics savings. Shipping Cost 5t single girder components to Paraguay: $225

In international projects, the choice of delivery method directly impacts cost, lead time, and installation efficiency. DGCRANE offers two flexible solutions to ensure the best outcome for every need.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s economic development and Vision 2030 initiatives are creating steady growth in the use of overhead and gantry cranes across construction, ports, and industry. While some local production exists, the market continues to rely heavily on imports—particularly from China.

For Saudi buyers, the main priorities are clear: cost efficiency, compliance with local standards, and reliable service. DGCRANE addresses these priorities with flexible procurement solutions, professional installation, and long-term support. With multiple successful projects in the Kingdom and participation in the 2025 Saudi Engineering & Mining Exhibition in Riyadh, DGCRANE remains a trusted partner for safe and efficient lifting solutions in Saudi Arabia.

Zora Zhao

Expert in Overhead Crane/Gantry Crane/Jib Crane/Crane Parts Solutions

With 10+ years of experience in the Crane Overseas Export Industry, helped 10,000+ customers with their pre-sales questions and concerns, if you have any related needs, please feel free to contact me!

WhatsApp: +86 189 3735 0200

Email: zorazhao@dgcrane.com