According to data released by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) exports of construction machinery made in the United States gained 24 percent at the mid-year mark when compared to the first half of 2007 for a total of more than $10 billion in equipment shipped to global markets.
Africa was the United States’ biggest growing market receiving 59 percent, or $692 million in equipment from January to June of 2007. South America received $1.4 billion worth of construction machinery, a 30 percent increase over the first-half of 2007. Central American exports of construction machinery grew 3 percent for a total of $838 million. Asia construction equipment exports totaled $1.35 billion, a 16 percent gain. Exports to Australia and Oceania rose 19 percent to $856 million for the first half of 2008. Europe purchased $1.6 billion of American construction equipment, a 21 percent gain for the first half of 2008 over the 2007 mark and Canadian exports increased 28 percent during the same time period for a total $3.35 billion. Exports to China saw a decrease of 30 percent for the first half of 2008 when compared to the same period in 2007 for $224 million.
The 10 countries buying the most U.S.-made construction machinery during the first half of 2008 were:
- Canada – $3.35 billion, up 28 percent
- Australia – $824 million, up 18 percent
- Mexico – $544.5 million, down 7 percent
- Chile – $406 million, up 17 percent
- South Africa – $369 million, up 47 percent
- Belgium – $362 million, up 9 percent
- Brazil – $258 million, up 59 percent
- Singapore – $235 million, up 48 percent
- Russia – $231 million, up 40 percent
- Colombia – $230 million, up 44 percent
