Exports of U.S. construction machinery to Canada gained 12% in 2012

Exports of U.S.-made construction equipment topped 13 per cent in 2012 compared to the previous year for a total $26.7 billion, with South America and Asia reporting the weakest gains, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), citing U.S. Commerce Dept. data it uses in global markets reports for members.

AEM noted  the 13-per cent gain for 2012 follows 43 per cent growth in 2011 and 28 per cent growth in 2010, after a 2009 decline of 38 per cent in the depths of the recession.

“Exports have been called a bright spot for the U.S. economy, and this has been especially true for construction equipment manufacturers. Exports have been essential to our industry’s rebound as we continue to struggle with uneven U.S. markets,” stated Al Cervero, AEM vice president and construction sector leader. “With this global slowing and continued domestic market uncertainties, it’s more important than ever for our lawmakers to enact job-creating export and manufacturing policies.”

U.S. construction equipment exports to Asia grew 2 per cent compared to the previous year for a total $3.2 billion, while exports to South America increased 6 percent to total $4.6 billion.

Central America’s purchases of U.S. construction equipment gained 13 per cent for a total $2.3 billion; exports to Europe also grew 13 per cent, and totaled $3.2 billion; and exports to Africa increased 14 per cent to $1.5 billion.

Exports of U.S. construction machinery to Canada gained 12 percent for a total $8.1 billion, and exports to Australia/Oceania jumped 42 per cent to total $3.9 billion.

The top 10 export destinations for American-made construction machinery in 2012 by dollar volume: (1) Canada – $8.1 billion, up 12 per cent; (2) Australia – $3.8 billion, up 43 per cent; (3) Mexico – $1.8 billion, up 13 per cent; (4) Chile – $1.7 billion, up 25 per cent; (5) South Africa – $894 million, up 31 per cent; (6) Brazil – $886 million, down seven per cent; (7) Belgium – $806 million, up 43 per cent; (8) Peru – $779 million, up 36 per cent; (9) Russia – $715 million, up 10 per cent; (10) China – $680 million, down 25 per cent.