AEM: Q1 U.S. construction machinery exports dip

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) says U.S. Department of Commerce data show total U.S. construction machinery exports for first quarter of 2014 totaled $4.292 billion compared with $5.287 billion in the first quarter of 2013, an 18.8 percent decrease.

The AEM off-road equipment manufacturing trade group uses Commerce Dept. information to produce global trend reports that help members with business planning.

The first quarter data show nearly all world regions recorded high single-digit or double-digit declines, except Africa, which reported double-digit growth in exports.

Following are the 2014 first quarter U.S. construction equipment exports by major world regions compared with those in the first quarter of 2013:

• exports to Canada slid 8.5 percent, for a total $1.577 billion;
• exports to South America declined 33.9 percent, for a total $652.1 million;
• exports to Asia decreased 7.2 percent, for a total $544.2 million;
• exports to Europe dropped 34 percent, for a total $463.7 million;
• exports to Central America decreased 26.7 percent, for a total $451.6 million;
• exports to Australia/Oceania declined 41 percent to $232.5 million; and
• exports to Africa increased 32.9 percent to $370.3 million.

The top countries buying the most U.S.-made construction machinery during the first quarter of 2014 were:

1. Canada – $1.577 billion, down 8.5 percent;
2. Mexico – $369.9 million, down 27.2 percent;
3. South Africa- $241.5 million, up 103.8 percent;
4. Australia – $217.1 million, down 42.4 percent;
5. Chile – $197.1 million, down 19.1 percent;
6. Brazil – $159.9 million, down 48.1 percent;
7. Peru – $147.1 million, down 24.2 percent;
8. Saudi Arabia – $113 million, up 32.2 percent;
9. China – $107.2 million, down 11.3 percent; and
10. Belgium – $98.1 million, down 45.5 percent.

AEM members may access the Construction Global Markets reports (as well as additional global and U.S. market reports) on the association’s website in the Market Intelligence section. Non-members may purchase the global market reports and select other reports through the AEM store.