Construction equipment exports up 10%: AEM.
Exports of U.S.-made construction machinery totaled 36.68 billion for the first half of 2006, a 10% increase compared to January through June of 2005, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). The AEM North American-based international trade group consolidates U.S. Commerce Department data with other sources into a quarterly export trends report.
Central Americatook delivery of 44% more American-made construction equipment during the first half of 2006 compared to 2005 by midyear, for a total of $638 million, and South America increased its purchases 16% to total $950 million.
Construction equipment export volume to the Asia region overall declined 19% (a total $694 million). However, exports to China gained 20.5% for the first half of 2006 to total $114 million and rank China in 11t” place as an export destination for U.S. construction machinery.
“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,” noted AEM Assistant Director of International Marketing Arnold Huerta.
The only other world region showing a decline was Europe, with a decrease of 17% in construction equipment purchases ($892 million) for the first half of 2006.