Export of Prefabricated Houses
The export of domestically produced 'prefabricated houses' in China is showing a trend of rapid growth, market diversification, increased recognition, but also facing challenges.
I. Export Scale and Growth
Driven by the growing demand for global digital infrastructure construction, the export volume of domestically produced 'prefabricated houses' has increased significantly. For example, in the first seven months of this year, the Shatian Customs under the Huangpu Customs supervised the export of 23 batches of modular houses, with a total value of 548 million yuan, a 7.3-fold increase year-on-year, demonstrating strong growth momentum.
II. Market Distribution and Key Projects
The ASEAN market has seen particularly prominent growth. After the opening of the 'Dongguan-Vietnam' direct shipping route, delivery cycles have been significantly shortened. Stable bulk orders have been shipped to Indonesia, while markets in Thailand and Malaysia are also actively engaging. Meanwhile, the market covers more than 20 countries and regions, including the UK and Australia. Key projects include office buildings exported to Cameroon, staff dormitories in Indonesia, oil and gas camps in Australia, and elderly care apartments in the UK, all of which have been successfully delivered.
III. Overseas Recognition and Repeat Purchases
Overseas customers' recognition of domestically produced 'prefabricated houses' continues to rise, with frequent repeat purchases. For example, a British merchant purchased modular elderly care apartments, with 63 modules shipped from China and completed with on-site hoisting in just two weeks after arrival in the UK. A merchant from Papua New Guinea received 84 modules that were transformed into a fully functional hotel upon arrival, demonstrating their advantages in rapid deployment and efficient use.
IV. Core Advantages
Compared to traditional construction methods, modular construction offers advantages such as shorter construction periods, controllable quality, energy efficiency, environmental protection, and ease of maintenance. Over 90% of the processes are completed in the factory, with only simple hoisting and assembly required on-site, reducing construction periods by more than 60%. Additionally, it is energy-efficient, highly adaptable, and quality-controllable.
V. Facing Challenges
The export of domestically produced 'prefabricated houses' also faces some challenges, such as complex compliance thresholds like EU CE certification and US ICC-ES evaluation, with some companies finding it easier to export single modules but facing difficulties in obtaining comprehensive series certifications. On-site installation, after-sales maintenance, and localization team support overseas remain weak. Additionally, brand premiums are significantly lower compared to established European and American manufacturers.
