UK construction equipment exports rise

UK exports of construction and earthmoving equipment continued to grow during the second quarter of 2016, according to the latest report from the UK’s Construction Equipment Association (CEA).

The CEA said the results bucked the trend from declining exports reported last year.

In volume terms, exports grew 6.1% between April and June, compared to the previous quarter. However, the 136,000 tonnes recorded during the quarter still represents a decline of 10.3% compared to the same period a year ago.

In value terms, exports grew 0.7% to £595 million (€701.38 million) compared to the first quarter of 2016.

The CEA said sales of equipment to EU markets continued to rise, accounting for 47% of worldwide sales – up 6% compared to the same period a year ago. It said it expected this margin to continue rising throughout the rest of 2016.

Meanwhile, the CEA reported that, in volume terms, UK imports of construction and earthmoving equipment grew 10.5% during the second quarter of 2016, compared to the same quarter. However, at 74,000 tonnes, imports were still down 11% year-on-year.

Japan and Germany continued to be the UK’s two main importers, according to the CEA.