Exports of U.S.-made construction equipment declined 25 percent in 2013 compared to the previous year for a total of $20 billion shipped to global markets, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, citing U.S. Commerce Department data used in trend reports for members. All world regions recorded declines.
AEM said that the 25-percent decline for 2013 following three years of export growth – 13 percent in 2012, 43 percent in 2011 and 28 percent in 2010 – after a 2009 decline of 38 percent during the recession.
Exports to Europe plummeted 19 percent for a total of $2.6 billion, and dropped 16 percent to Canada for a total of $6.8 billion. Exports to Asia plunged 33 percent to $2.1 billion. Exports to Central and South America declined 2 and 22 percent respectively to $3.6 billion total. Exports to Australia dropped 66 percent to $1.3 billion, while exports to Africa decreased 13 percent to $1.3 billion.
The top export destinations for U.S.-made construction equipment by dollar value were: Canada, $6.8 billion; Mexico, $1.8 billion; Australia, $1.2 billion; Chile $999 million (down 40 percent); Brazil, $890 million, down one-half percent; South Africa, $674 million, down 25 percent; Peru, $638 million, down 18 percent; Belgium, $617 million, down 24 percent; Colombia, $562 million, up 1 percent; Russia, $548 million down 23 percent; and China, $3380 million, down 44 percent.
