Construction machinery exports up 48 percent

United States exports of construction equipment continued to grow in 2011 and ended the first half of the year up 48 percent compared to January-June of 2010. Total construction machinery exports at midyear were $11 billion, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). The off-road equipment manufacturing trade group consolidates United States Commerce Department data with other sources into member global trend reports.

“Exports remain a bright spot for the United States construction machinery manufacturing industry with continued weakness in the domestic marketplace. Pro-American export policies such as free trade agreements are proven to spur economic growth, which means manufacturers can provide more jobs for United States workers. That’s a key message of our I Make America campaign, which underscores the significant role of manufacturing in United States job creation,” stated Al Cervero, AEM vice president and construction sector leader.

• Exports of United States made construction machinery to South America grew 51 percent to total $2.1 billion, and exports to Central America totaled $933 million for a 24 percent gain. Among the top 10 countries buying equipment during the first half of 2011 were Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru.
• Asia’s export purchases increased 54 percent to $1.5 billion, and Europe’s 75 percent gain translated to $1.4 billion.
• Australia/Oceania took delivery of 52 percent more American made construction machinery for a total $1 billion, and exports to Canada increased 43 percent and totaled $3.4 billion.
• United States exports to Africa grew 50 percent for a total $636 million.

The top 10 export destinations for American made construction equipment during the first half of 2011 were:

• Canada – $3.4 billion, up 43 percent.
• Australia – $1 billion, up 61 percent.
• Mexico – $742 million, up 35 percent.
• Chile – $608 million, up 32 percent.
• China – $480 million, up 98 percent.
• Brazil – $480 million, up 28 percent.
• Colombia – $419 million, up 121 percent.
• South Africa – $325 million, up 88 percent.
• Russia – $319 million, up 195 percent.
• Peru – $290 million, up 72 percent.