The Economy

Exports of US-made Construction Equipment Hit $26.7 Billion in 2012

Feb. 27, 2013

Exports to Central America and Europe gained 13%, Africa increased 14%, Canada gained 12% and Australia/Oceania jumped 42%.

Adrienne Selko

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers Exports reported on Wednesday that exports of U.S.-made construction equipment increased 13% in 2012 compared to the previous year for a total $26.7 billion, with South America and Asia reporting the weakest gains.

This gain was much smaller however than the 43% gain from 2011 to 2012.

In 2010 the gain was 38%, following a 2009 decline of 38% in the depths of the recession.

"Exports have been called a bright spot for the U.S. economy, and this has been especially true for construction equipment manufacturers," said Al Cervero, AEM vice president and construction sector leader.

Cervero pointed out that with ”global slowing and continued domestic market uncertainties, it's more important than ever for our lawmakers to enact job-creating export and manufacturing policies."

U.S. construction equipment exports to Asia grew 2% compared to the previous year for a total $3.2 billion.

Exports to South America increased 6% to total $4.6 billion.

Central America's purchases of U.S. construction equipment gained 13% for a total $2.3 billion; exports to Europe also grew 13%, and totaled $3.2 billion; and exports to Africa increased 14% to $1.5 billion.

Exports of U.S. construction machinery to Canada gained 12% for a total $8.1 billion, and exports to Australia/Oceania jumped 42% to total $3.9 billion.

The top 10 export destinations for American-made construction machinery in 2012 by dollar volume:

Canada - $8.1 billion, up 12%
Australia - $3.8 billion, up 43%
Mexico - $1.8 billion, up 13%
Chile - $1.7 billion, up 25%
South Africa - $894 million, up 31%
Brazil - $886 million, down 7%
Belgium - $806 million, up 43%
Peru - $779 million, up 36%
Russia - $715 million, up 10%
China - $680 million, down 25%

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.