U.S. Construction Equipment Exports Climb 43 Percent in 2011

March 9, 2012
U.S. construction equipment exports increased 43 percent in 2011 compared to 2010, for a total of $23.5 billion of machinery shipped to other countries according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. This follows growth of 28 percent in 2010 after a 2009 decline of 38 percent in the depths of the recession.

U.S. construction equipment exports increased 43 percent in 2011 compared to 2010, for a total of $23.5 billion of machinery shipped to other countries according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. This follows growth of 28 percent in 2010 after a 2009 decline of 38 percent in the depths of the recession.

“Export sales continue to help U.S. construction equipment manufacturers stay open for business and sustain American jobs, especially with the domestic construction sector still recovering,” said Al Cervero, AEM vice president, construction sector.

AEM and its I Make America campaign have pushed for export-friendly policies that create and sustain U.S. jobs. These include free trade agreements such as the U.S.-Korea FTA being implemented, which would eliminate export duties on about 80 percent of U.S. industrial products and about 67 percent of U.S. farm-related products.

Exports to Australia/Oceania led the way in 2011 with a 73-percent gain as the region took delivery of $2.8 billion of U.S.-made construction equipment. Exports to South America leapt 39 percent in 2011 with purchases worth $4.3 billion, and exports of construction equipment to Central America increased 23 percent and totaled $2 billion.

Export sales to Asia grew 44 percent to $3.1 billion in 2011, and Africa increased 41 percent to $1.3 billion. Exports to Europe jumped 49 percent to $2.8 billion, and export business to Canada climbed 40.5 percent to $7.2 billion.

The top 10 countries buying U.S.-made construction machinery in 2011 were Canada ($7.2 billion); Australia ($2.7 billion, up 79 percent); Mexico ($1.6 billion, up 28 percent); Chile ($1.3 billion, up 45 percent); Brazil ($951 million, up 25 percent); China ($903 million, up 81 percent); Colombia ($811 million, up 38 percent); South Africa ($683 million, up 72 percent); Russia ($652 million, up 96 percent); and Peru ($572 million, up 31 percent).