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

Decline led by a 33% decrease in exports to Asia

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Exports of U.S.-made construction equipment dropped 25% 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 Dept. data it uses in trend reports for members. All world regions recorded declines.   

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

  • Exports to Europe declined 19% for a total $2.6 billion, and dropped 16% to Canada for a total $6.8 billion
  • Exports to Asia decreased 33% to $2.1 billion
  • Exports to Central America dropped 2% to $2.2 billion, with exports to South America declining 22% to $3.6 billion
  • Australia/Oceania’s export purchases decreased 66% to $1.3 billion, while exports to Africa dropped 13% 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%; (2) Mexico - $1.8 billion, down 1%; (3) Australia - $1.2 billion, down 68%; (4) Chile - $999 million, down 40%; (5) Brazil - $890 million, down one-half%; (6) South Africa - $674 million, down 25%; (7) Peru - $638 million, down 18%; (8) Belgium - $617 million, down 24%; (9) Colombia- $562 million, up 1%; (10) Russia - $548 million, down 23%; (11) China - $380 million, down 44%.

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