U.S. construction equipment exports for 2005 increased 35% 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). South America recorded the strongest gains, with a 51% increase, while Central America experienced the least growth, with a 15% gain. The AEM international trade group consolidates U.S. Commerce Department data with other sources into a quarterly trends report.
Exports to South America grew the most in 2005 as the region took delivery of $1.6 billion worth of U.S. construction equipment, a 51% gain. Central America’s purchases of $925 million represented a 15% increase compared to the previous year.
“In 2005, most of the equipment exported to Latin American 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,” said Arnold Huerta, AEM assistant director of international marketing.
Construction equipment exports to Asia in 2005 rose 33% to total $1.7 billion. Exports to Europe and Canada each increased 35%, with Europe’s purchases totaling $2.1 billion, and Canada $4.1 billion. Exports to Australia/Oceania increased $1.1 billion, a 39% gain, and exports to Africa grew 31% and totaled $459 million.
The top 10 country purchasers of U.S. construction equipment in 2005 were: (1) Canada - $4.1 billion, up 35%; (2) Australia $1 billion, up 40%; (3) Mexico - $694 million, up 11%; (4) Belgium - $654 million, up 60%; (5) Brazil - $555 million, up 113%; (6) Chile - $ 514 million, up 46%; (7) Singapore - $507 million, up 126%; (8) China - $237 million, down 10%; (9) Japan - $236 million, up 59%; (10) South Africa - $222 million, up 44%.
