Manitowoc announced that the European Commission has opened an anti‑dumping investigation into imports of mobile cranes from China, targeting cranes with a lifting capacity of at least 30 tons mounted on self‑propelled vehicles. The investigation, which began on December 19 2025, follows a complaint filed in November 2025 by European manufacturers represented by the VDMA Materials Handling and Intralogistics Association, and includes Manitowoc’s own product lines.
The European Commission’s probe is part of a broader effort to protect the EU’s crane industry, which could see more than 7,000 direct jobs threatened by Chinese imports. The complaint alleges that Chinese manufacturers benefit from government subsidies, preferential financing, and lower raw‑material costs, creating “manifestly unfair competition.” The investigation could lead to tariffs or other trade restrictions that would alter the competitive landscape for all players in the 30‑ton and heavier mobile crane segment.
Manitowoc’s president and CEO Aaron H. Ravenscroft welcomed the investigation, saying it is essential to ensure fair competition and protect European innovation, manufacturing, and jobs. Ravenscroft urged the Commission to act quickly to restore a level playing field. The company has also previously filed an anti‑dumping petition against Japanese producers of lattice‑boom crawler cranes in the United States, demonstrating its willingness to use trade mechanisms to defend its interests.
In its most recent quarterly report, Manitowoc posted net sales of $553.4 million, up 5.4 % year‑over‑year, and a net income of $5.0 million, a turnaround from a loss in the same quarter a year earlier. Orders rose 15.7 % driven by strong demand in the Americas, while the company’s aftermarket and services segment continued to grow. Earnings per share of $0.14 beat analyst expectations of $0.002, a margin that reflects disciplined cost management and a favorable product mix. The investigation could impact Manitowoc’s European sales, but the company’s robust order book and focus on high‑margin aftermarket services provide a buffer against potential tariff‑induced headwinds.
Manitowoc’s “CRANES+50” strategy, which prioritizes growth in non‑new‑machine sales such as parts, services, and maintenance, positions the company to weather cyclical demand swings. If the European Commission imposes tariffs, Manitowoc could gain a competitive advantage in the EU market, but the company remains cautious about the timing and scope of any trade restrictions. The investigation underscores the importance of regulatory compliance and strategic flexibility in a market where government policy can quickly reshape competitive dynamics.
The anti‑dumping probe is a material regulatory event that could reshape the crane market in the EU and affect Manitowoc’s sales and competitive position. The company’s strong recent financial performance, combined with its focus on aftermarket growth, suggests it is prepared to navigate the potential impacts of the investigation while continuing to pursue its long‑term growth strategy.
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