U.S. exports of construction equipment continued to grow in 2011 and ended the first half of the year up 48 percent compared to January-June of 2010, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

Total construction machinery exports at midyear were $11 billion, AEM says. The off-road equipment manufacturing trade group consolidates U.S. Commerce Dept. data with other sources into member global trend reports.

“Exports remain a bright spot for the U.S. construction machinery manufacturing industry with continued weakness in the domestic marketplace. Pro-American export policies such as free trade agreements are proven to spur economic growth, which means manufacturers can provide more jobs for U.S. workers. That’s a key message of our I Make America campaign, which underscores the significant role of manufacturing in U.S. job creation,” stated Al Cervero, AEM vice president and construction sector leader.

• Exports of U.S.-made construction machinery to South America grew 51 percent to total $2.1 billion, and exports to Central America totaled $933 million for a 24-percent gain. Among the “top 10” countries buying equipment during the first half of 2011 were Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru.
• Asia’s export purchases increased 54 percent to $1.5 billion, and Europe’s 75-percent gain translated to $1.4 billion.
• Australia/Oceania took delivery of 52 percent more American-made construction machinery for a total $1 billion, and exports to Canada increased 43 percent and totaled $3.4 billion.
• U.S. exports to Africa grew 50 percent for a total $636 million.

The top 10 export destinations for American-made construction equipment during the first half of 2011 were: (1) Canada – $3.4 billion, up 43 percent; (2) Australia – $1 billion, up 61 percent; (3) Mexico – $742 million, up 35 percent; (4) Chile – $608 million, up 32 percent; (5) China – $480 million, up 98 percent; (6) Brazil – $480 million, up 28 percent; (7) Colombia – $419 million, up 121 percent; (8) South Africa – $325 million, up 88 percent; (9) Russia – $319 million, up 195 percent; (10) Peru – $290 million, up 72 percent.