U.S. Construction-Machinery Exports up Nearly 50% in First Half

U.S. exports of construction equipment were up 48% through the first half of 2011 compared with the same period in 2010, according to an industry group.

Through June, exports of construction machinery totaled $11 billion, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), which consolidates Commerce Department data with data from other sources for its reports.

"Exports remain a bright spot for the U.S. construction-machinery manufacturing industry with continued weakness in the domestic marketplace," said Al Cervero, AEM vice president and construction-sector leader.

Among the highlights of the trade association's data:

• Exports of U.S.-made construction machinery to South America grew 51% to $2.1 billion.
  
• Exports to Australia/Oceania increased 52% to $1 billion.
• Exports to Canada increased 43% to $3.4 billion.
• Exports to Africa grew 50% to $636 million.
• Exports to Asia increased 54% to $1.5 billion.
• Exports to Europe jumped 75% to $1.4 billion.
  

The top 10 export destinations for American-made construction equipment during the first half of 2011 were:

1. Canada -- $3.4 billion, up 43%.
2. Australia -- $1 billion, up 61%.
3. Mexico -- $742 million, up 35%.
4. Chile -- $608 million, up 32%.
5. China -- $480 million, up 98%.
6. Brazil -- $480 million, up 28%.
7. Colombia -- $419 million, up 121%.
8. South Africa - $325 million, up 88%.
9. Russia -- $319 million, up 195%.
10. Peru -- $290 million, up 72%.

"Pro-American export policies such as free-trade agreements are proven to spur economic growth, which means manufacturers can provide more jobs for U.S. workers," Cervero concluded in a news release.