US equipment exports rise +28%

Overseas sales of US-made construction equipment hit US$ 16.4 billion last year, a rise of +28% on the 2009 figure, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

"Global trade is extremely important to our industry and export sales continue to sustain many companies as we still face a fragile domestic upturn," said AEM Senior Vice President Al Cervero. "While these numbers are positive we have to remember they follow a 2009 decline of more than -38%."

Export business to Europe grew +23% for a total of US$ 1.88 billion, and exports to Asia grew +10% to US$ 2.2 billion. Exports to South America were up +31% to US$ 3.1 billion and exports to Central America came in at US$ 1.6 billion, a 24% increase. The largest gain was to Australia/Oceania with a +66% increase for a total $1.6 billion.

The only regional decline was to Africa with a -5% drop for US$ 934 million.

The top countries buying the most U.S.-made construction machinery in 2010 were:

1: Canada - US$ 5.1 billion, +39%

2: Australia - US$ 1.5 billion, +62%

3: Mexico - US$ 1.2 billion, +25%

4: Chile - US$ 920 million, +21%

5: Brazil - US$ 758 million, +48%

6: Colombia - US$ 588 million, +50%

7: China - US$ 499 million, +2%

8: Peru - US$ 437 million, +37%

9: Belgium - US$ 399 million, +11%

10: South Africa - US$ 396 million, +12%

11: Russia - US$ 333 million - +60%

12: Singapore - US$ 299 million, +40%

13: Saudi Arabia - US$ 227 million, -4%

14: UAE - US$ 197 million, +38%

15: Germany - US$ 197 million, +34