Micro excavators are displayed in a new cross‑border e‑commerce hub opened in June in Jining. [Photo/Qilu Evening News]

In Jining, Shandong, a new cross‑border e‑commerce hub is helping local engineering machinery manufacturers break into overseas markets, turning a region known for heavy equipment into a springboard for global expansion.

Shandong Xiaoxiang Construction Machinery, a local manufacturer, launched a compact excavator that can be fitted with eight different attachments for tasks ranging from digging to crushing. Within just over a month, overseas sales of micro excavators surpassed $600,000 through the hub, marking the company's first independent step abroad after years of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) work.

The hub, launched in June, now brings together products from more than 120 engineering machinery companies across the city. Its 25,000‑square‑meter exhibition hall and livestreaming studios allow overseas buyers to view products in real time. With on‑site customs, tax and financial services, and a nearby logistics center offering instant tax rebates, the hub has removed many of the barriers that once held smaller firms back.

The hub gathers various types of local micro excavator products, fueling their global sales through the cross‑border e‑commerce platform. [Photo/Qilu Evening News]

Jining is one of China's six major engineering machinery bases, with an industry value exceeding 80 billion yuan ($11.9 billion). The hub has already attracted 107 companies and aims to reach 150 by year‑end. Future plans include second‑hand equipment exports and domestic equipment distribution.

By sharing exhibition space, logistics and overseas sales channels, the hub is helping local manufacturers move from OEM work to selling their own brands worldwide.