U.S. construction machinery exports dropped 21% during the first half of 2013, with $10.8 billion shipped to global markets compared to $13.7 billion at midyear 2012, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). The AEM off-road equipment manufacturing trade group consolidates U.S. Commerce Dept. data with other sources into global trend reports for members.
Nearly all world regions recorded double-digit declines, except Central America, with a double-digit gain. 


For construction equipment exports for the first half of 2013, compared with midyear 2012:

• Exports to Europe declined 20% for a total $1.4 billion, and dropped 15% to Canada for a total $3.7 billion.

• Exports to Asia decreased 24% to $1.2 billion.

• Exports to Central America gained 15% to $1.2 billion, with exports to South America dropping 13% to $1.9 billion.

• Australia/Oceania’s export purchases decreased 62% to $750 million, while Africa took delivery of $654-million worth of construction equipment, a 20% drop.

The top countries buying the most U.S.-made construction machinery during the first half of 2013 were:

1. Canada - $3.7 billion, down 15%

2.  Mexico - $1 billion, up 18%

3. Australia - $715 million, down 63%

4. Brazil - $513 million, up 17%

5. Chile - $475 million, down 38%

6. Colombia - $333 million, up 13%

7. Belgium - $330 million, down 18%

8. Peru - $329 million, down 9%

9. South Africa- $316 million, down 36%

10. Russia - $269 million, down 34%

11. China - $243 million, down 38%.