Construction Equipment Exports Up 10 Percent

Exports of U.S.-made construction machinery totaled $6.68 billion for the first half of 2006, a 10-percent increase compared to the same time period last year, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

The AEM, a North American-based international trade group, consolidates U.S. Commerce Department data with other sources into a quarterly export trends report.

Central America took delivery of 44 percent more American-made construction equipment during the first half of 2006 compared to 2005 by midyear, for a total of $638 million, and South America increased its purchases 16 percent to a total of $950 million.

Construction equipment export volume to Asia overall has declined 19 percent (a total $694 million). However, exports to China have gained 20.5 percent for the first half of 2006 to a total of $114 million and rank China in 11^th place as an export destination for U.S. construction machinery.

The only other world region showing a decline was Europe, with a decrease of 17 percent in construction equipment purchases for the first half of 2006.

Exports to Africa grew 66 percent and totaled $318 million. Canada took delivery of $2.53 billion worth of new U.S.-made construction equipment, a 22-percent gain, and exports to Australia/Oceania increased 10 percent, representing $657 million worth of construction machinery.

The top 10 destinations for American-made construction equipment for the first half of 2006 were:

• Canada - $2.53 billion, up 22 percent
• Australia - $640 million, up 11 percent
• Mexico - $465 million, up 36 percent
• Brazil - $250 million, down 17 percent
• Chile - $248 million, down 5 percent
• Belgium - $187 million, down 54 percent
• South Africa - $154 million, up 55 percent
• Singapore - $141 million, down 49 percent
• Colombia - $140 million, up 86 percent
• Peru - $115 million, up 38 percent