Exports of U.S.-made construction machinery totaled $6.68 billion for the first half of 2006, a 10% increase compared with January through June of 2005, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). The AEM 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% more American-made construction equipment during the first half of 2006 compared with 2005 by midyear, for a total of $638 million, and South America increased its purchases 16% to total $950 million.
Construction-equipment export volume to the Asia region overall declined 19%, a total of $694 million. However, exports to China gained 20.5% for the first half of 2006 to total $114 million and rank China in 11th place as an export destination for U.S. construction machinery.
"General-construction (residential and commercial) projects and transportation infrastructure continue to account for the majority of recent equipment sales revenue in Latin America and China, according to participants in our quarterly industry conditions surveys," said AEM Assistant Director of International Marketing Arnold Huerta.
The only other world region showing a decline was Europe, with a decrease of 17% in construction-equipment purchases ($892 million) for the first half of 2006.
Exports to Africa grew 66% and totaled $318 million. Canada took delivery of $2.53 billion worth of U.S.-made construction equipment, a 22% gain, and exports to Australia/Oceania increased 10%, representing $657 million worth of construction machinery.
The top 10 export destinations for American-made construction equipment for the first half of 2006 were:
1. Canada - $2.53 billion, up 22%
2. Australia - $640 million, up 11%
3. Mexico - $465 million, up 36%
4. Brazil - $250 million, down 17%
5. Chile - $248 million, down 5%
6. Belgium - $187 million, down 54%
7. South Africa - $154 million, up 55%
8. Singapore - $141 million, down 49%
9. Colombia - $140 million, up 86%
10. Peru - $115 million, up 38%
