Worldwide Recession Reflected in Steep Declines in Export Data
U.S. construction equipment exports dropped 36% during the first half of 2009, with $6.4 billion shipped to global markets compared to $10.1 billion at midyear 2008, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, Milwaukee. Europe showed the largest percentage decline, with a 53% drop to $777 million in exports. Canada remained the largest market for U.S. equipment exports, but even that market was down 45% from a year ago.