U.S. construction equipment exports for 2005 increased 35 percent over the previous year as $12 billion worth of American-made machinery was shipped to countries across the globe, according to data released by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

South America recorded the strongest gains, with a 51-percent increase, while Central America experienced the least growth, with a 15-percent gain.

The AEM international trade group consolidates U.S. Commerce Department data with other sources into a quarterly trends report.

Exports to South America grew the most in 2005 as the region took delivery of $1.6 billion worth of U.S. construction equipment, a 51-percent gain. Central America’s purchases of $925 million represented a 15-percent increase compared to the previous year.

“In 2005, most of the equipment exported to Latin America was used primarily for general construction, transportation and mining projects. This trend is expected to continue as the region is forecast to grow in 2006 and nations inject more money into their infrastructure sectors,” noted AEM Assistant Director of International Marketing Arnold Huerta.

Construction equipment exports to Asia in 2005 rose 33 percent to total $1.7 billion. Exports to Europe and Canada each increased 35 percent, with Europe’s purchases totaling $2.1 billion; and Canada, $4.1 billion. Exports to Australia/Oceania increased $1.1 billion, a 39-percent gain, and exports to Africa grew 31 percent and totaled $459 million.

The top 10 country purchases of U.S. construction equipment in 2005 were:

• Canada — $4.1 billion, up 35 percent;

• Australia — $1 billion, up 40 percent;

• Mexico — $694 million, up 11 percent;

• Belgium — $654 million, up 60 percent;

• Brazil — $555 million, up 113 percent;

• Chile — $514 million, up 46 percent;

• Singapore — $507 million, up 126 percent;

• China — $237 million, down 10 percent;

• Japan — $236 million, up 59 percent; and

• South Africa — $222 million, up 44 percent.

For more information, call 866/AEM-0442 or visit www.aem.org.

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