Exports of Construction Equipment Total $12 Billion in 2005

U.S. construction equipment exports for 2005 increased 35 percent over the previous year as $12 billion worth of American-made machinery was shipped to countries across the globe, according to data released by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

The AEM consolidates U.S. Commerce Department data with other sources into a quarterly trends report.

According to the AEM report, South America recorded the strongest gains, with a 51 percent increase, while Central America experienced the least growth, with a 15 percent gain.

Exports to South America grew the most in 2005 as the region took delivery of $1.6 billion worth of U.S. construction equipment. Central America’s purchases totaled $925 million.

“In 2005 most of the equipment exported to Latin America was used primarily for general construction, transportation and mining projects. This trend is expected to continue as the region is forecast to grow in 2006 and nations inject more money into their infrastructure sectors,” says Arnold Huerta, AEM assistant director of international marketing.

Construction equipment exports to Asia rose 33 percent in 2005 to a total of $1.7 billion. Exports to Europe and Canada each increased 35 percent, with Europe’s purchases totaling $2.1 billion and Canada’s totaling $4.1 billion. Exports to Australia/Oceania increased $1.1 billion, a 39-percent gain. Exports to Africa grew 31 percent to a total of $459 million.

The top 10 purchasers of U.S. construction equipment in 2005 by country were:

• Canada, $4.1 billion, up 35 percent
• Australia, $1 billion, up 40 percent
• Mexico, $694 million, up 11 percent
• Belgium, $654 million, up 60 percent
• Brazil, $555 million, up 113 percent
• Chile, $514 million, up 46 percent
• Singapore, $507 million, up 126 percent
• China, $237 million, down 10 percent
• Japan, $236 million, up 59 percent
• South Africa, $222 million, up 44 percent