Exports of U.S.-made Construction Equipment Decline 25 Percent in 2013 to $20 Billion

(Feb. 26, 2014) – Exports of U.S.-made construction equipment dropped 25 percent in 2013 compared to the previous year for a total $20 billion shipped to global markets, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), citing U.S. Commerce Department data it uses in trend reports for members. All world regions recorded declines.

AEM noted that the 25-percent decline for 2013 follows three years of export growth (13 percent in 2012, 43 percent in 2011 and 28 percent in 2010), after a 2009 decline of 38 percent in the depths of the recession.

• Exports to Europe declined 19 percent for a total $2.6 billion, and dropped 16 percent to Canada for a total $6.8 billion
• Exports to Asia decreased 33 percent to $2.1 billion
• Exports to Central America dropped 2 percent to $2.2 billion, with exports to South America declining 22 percent to $3.6 billion
• Australia/Oceania’s export purchases decreased 66 percent to $1.3 billion, while exports to Africa dropped 13 percent to $1.3 billion

The top export destinations for American-made construction machinery in 2013 by dollar volume: (1) Canada – $6.8 billion, down 16 percent; (2) Mexico – $1.8 billion, down 1 percent; (3) Australia – $1.2 billion, down 68 percent; (4) Chile – $999 million, down 40 percent; (5) Brazil – $890 million, down one-half percent; (6) South Africa – $674 million, down 25 percent; (7) Peru – $638 million, down 18 percent; (8) Belgium – $617 million, down 24 percent; (9) Colombia- $562 million, up 1 percent; (10) Russia – $548 million, down 23 percent; (11) China – $380 million, down 44 percent.