Exports of U.S.-made construction machinery totaled $8.2 billion for the first half of 2007, a 22 percent increase compared to January-June 2006, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). The AEM North American-based international trade group consolidates U.S. Commerce Department data into a quarterly export trends report.
Construction equipment export volume to the Asia region overall rose 67 percent to total $1.16 billion at mid-year 2007. Exports to China gained 181 percent for the first half of 2007 to total $319.5 million, giving that country the sixth-place ranking among leading export destinations for U.S. construction machinery.
Central America took delivery of 28 percent more American-made construction equipment during the first half of 2007 compared to 2006 by midyear, for a total of $815 million, and South America increased its purchases 14 percent to total $1.08 billion.
Europe increased its construction equipment exports 52 percent to total $1.36 billion for the first half of 2007. Canada took delivery of $2.6 billion worth of U.S.-made construction equipment, a 3-percent gain.
Exports to Africa grew 37 percent and totaled $434 million, and exports to Australia/Oceania increased 9 percent, representing $719 million worth of construction machinery.
The top 10 export destinations for American-made construction equipment for the first half of 2007 were:
1. Canada $2.6 billion, up 3 percent
2. Australia $696 million, up 9 percent
3. Mexico $588 million, up 26 percent
4. Chile $346 million, up 40 percent
5. Belgium $331 million, up 78 percent
6. China $319.5 million, up 181 percent
7. South Africa $251 million, up 63 percent
8. Venezuela $177 million, up 72 percent
9. Germany $176 million, up 70 percent
10. Russia - $165 million, up 57 percent