Exports of United States-made construction machinery totaled $6.68 billion for the first six months of 2006, a 10-percent increase over the first half of 2005, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. AEM consolidates U.S. Commerce Department data with other sources into a quarterly export trends report.

The largest quantity for a single country — $2.53 billion — was exported to Canada, a 22-percent increase over the first six months of 2005. Australia was second with $640 million, an 11-percent hike, followed by Mexico with $465 million, a 36-percent jump.

Rounding out the top 10 were Brazil, $250 million, down 17 percent; Chile, $248 million, down 5 percent; Belgium, $187 million, down 54 percent; South Africa, $154 million, up 55 percent; Singapore $141 million, a 49 percent drop; Colombia, $140 million, up 86 percent and Peru, up 38 percent to $115 million. China received $114 million to place 11^th on the list, with a 20.5 percent hike.

Exports to Central America jumped 44 percent to $638 million, with South America increasing its equipment purchases 16 percent to $950 million.

Construction equipment export volume to Asia declined 19 percent to $694 million, despite China’s increase. Exports to Europe also declined 17 percent to $892 million.

Exports to Africa grew 66 percent to $318 million.

“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 Arnold Huerta, AEM assistant director of international marketing.