1 in 3 palletizing robots worldwide comes from Dongguan, China's industrial robot exports surge

China's General Administration of Customs reports that in the first five months of this year, AI-related products like electronic components and computer parts saw imports and exports totaling 4.12 trillion yuan, up 52.4% year-on-year. Industrial robot exports led the growth.

For every three industrial collaborative robots, or palletizers, sold worldwide, one comes from Dongguan, Guangdong. These lightweight smart movers take up just 2.5 square meters, weigh 350 kg, and can stack 12 boxes per minute, working alongside humans without safety barriers.

One company captured 33% of the global collaborative robot market in 2025. Huangpu Customs deputy chief Teng Lei says Dongguan exported over 160 million yuan in industrial robots this year, reaching more than 60 countries, with exports to emerging markets like Thailand, Turkey, and Mexico doubling. Types include welding, handling, and assembly robots.