September 1, 2011—U.S. 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 U.S. Commerce Dept. data with other sources into member global
trend reports.
"Exports remain a bright spot for the U.S.
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 U.S. workers. That’s a key message of
our I Make America campaign, which underscores the significant role of
manufacturing in U.S. job creation," said Al Cervero,
AEM vice president and construction sector leader.
Exports of U.S.-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.
U.S. 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:
(1) Canada - $3.4 billion, up 43 percent;
(2) Australia - $1 billion, up 61
percent;
(3) Mexico - $742 million, up 35 percent;
(4) Chile - $608 million, up 32 percent;
(5) China - $480 million, up 98 percent;
(6) Brazil - $480 million, up 28 percent;
(7) Colombia - $419 million, up 121
percent;
(8) South
Africa – $325 million, up 88 percent;
(9) Russia - $319 million, up 195
percent;
(10) Peru - $290 million, up 72
percent.
