US manufacturers see exports slump

US exports of construction equipment were down -21% in the first half of the year, according to data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). The value of machines shipped stood at US$ 10.8 billion to the end of June this year, compared to US$ 13.7 billion for the first six months of 2012.

Exports to Central America saw a +15% increase, but all other regions of the world experienced double-digit declines. Sales to Europe were down -20% to US$ 1.4 billion, Asia was down -24% to US$ 1.2 billion, South America dropped -13% to US$ 1.9 billion, Africa fell -20% to US$ 654 million, while exports to Australia & Oceania plummeted -62% to US$ 750 million.

The leading individual countries for US construction equipment exports were Canada, down -15% to US$ 3.7 billion in the first half of the year, Mexico (+18% to US$ 1 billion), Australia (-63% to US$ 715 million), Brazil (-17% to US$ 513 million), Chile (-38% to US$ 475 million), Colombia (+1% to US$ 333 million), Belgium (-18% to US$ 330 million), Peru (-9% to US$ 329 million), South Africa (-36% to US$ 316 million), Russia (-34% to US$ 269 million and China (-38% to US$ 243 million).