Mid-year construction equipment exports up 22%

US-made construction machinery exports totaled $8.2 billion for the first half of this year, a 22% increase compared to January-June 2006, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) announced.

Export volume in the Asia region overall rose 67%, to $1.16 billion at mid-year 2007. Exports to China gained 181% for the first half of the year to total $319.5 million, giving that country the sixth-place ranking among leading export destinations for US construction machinery. Central America took delivery of 28% 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% totaling $1.08 billion.

Construction equipment exports to Europe increased 52% to total $1.36 billion for the first half of 2007. Canada took delivery of $2.6 billion worth of US-made construction equipment, a 3% gain. Exports to Africa grew 37% and totaled $434 million, and exports to Australia/Oceania increased 9%, representing $719 million worth of construction machinery.

The association consolidates US Commerce Department data into a quarterly export trends report.