U.S. Construction Equipment Exports Close Out 2015 Down 19 Percent

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Exports of U.S.-made construction equipment ended 2015 with a 19 percent decline compared to the previous year for a total $13.9 billion shipped worldwide. All world regions experienced declines, led by Africa and South America, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, citing U.S. Department of Commerce data it uses in global market reports for members.

AEM is the North American-based international business group representing the off-road equipment manufacturing industry.

Year-end 2015 U.S. construction equipment exports by major world regions compared to year-end 2014:

• Canada dropped 18 percent, for a total $5.5 billion
• Asia decreased 10 percent, for a total $1.8 billion
• Europe dropped 12 percent, for a total $1.7 billion
• South America declined 33 percent, for a total $1.7 billion
• Central America fell 23 percent, for a total $1.5 billion
• Australia/Oceania declined 1 percent for a total $882 million
• Africa decreased 37 percent for a total $777 million

Exports by Top 10 Countries
The top countries buying the most U.S.-made construction machinery during 2015 (by dollar volume):

1. Canada – $5.5 billion, down 18 percent
2. Mexico – $1.2 billion, down 24 percent
3. Australia – $829 million, up 2.5 percent
4. Belgium – $334 million, down 28 percent
5. Chile – $492 million, down 20 percent
6. United Arab Emirates – $272 million, up 73 percent
7. South Africa – $344 million, down 49 percent
8. Peru – $330 million, down 28 percent
9. Brazil – $403 million, down 44 percent
10. China – $267 million, down 27.5 percent