The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) reports that U.S. construction machinery exports decreased 21% in 2013's first half, with just $10.8 billion shipped to global markets versus 2012 midyear number of $13.7 billion. In construction news, the U.S. shared this double digit decline with most of the world's regions excluding Central America that had a double-digit gain.
For construction equipment exports for the first half of 2013, compared with midyear 2012:
- Exports to Europe declined 20% for a total $1.4 billion, and dropped 15% to Canada for a total $3.7 billion.
- Exports to Asia decreased 24% to $1.2 billion.
- Exports to Central America gained 15% to $1.2 billion, with exports to South America dropping 13% to $1.9 billion.
- Australia/Oceania’s export purchases decreased 62% to $750 million, while Africa took delivery of $654 million worth of construction equipment, a 20% drop.
The top countries buying the most U.S.-made construction machinery during the first half of 2013 were
- Canada - $3.7 billion, down 15%
- Mexico - $1 billion, up 18%
- Australia - $715 million, down 63%
- Brazil - $513 million, up 17%
- Chile - $475 million, down 38%
- Colombia - $333 million, up 13%
- Belgium - $330 million, down 18%
- Peru - $329 million, down 9%
- South Africa- $316 million, down 36%
- Russia - $269 million, down 34%
- China - $243 million, down 38%
