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The market for exports of U.S.-made construction machinery closed out 2007 with a gain of more than 26% compared to the previous year, for a total of $17.2 billion dollars worth of equipment sold worldwide, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). The AEM North American-based international trade group consolidates U.S. Commerce Department data with other sources into a quarterly export trends report.

“This positive export data underscores the importance of global trade to American manufacturers as they face a slowdown in U.S. business, as well as the continued need for free and fair trade across borders. The worldwide demand for infrastructure building has helped the construction equipment industry remain strong,” noted AEM Senior Vice President Al Cervero.

“Countries around the world are committing to infrastructure projects that increase their capability to compete in the global marketplace. The United States also needs to step up infrastructure investment or risk being left behind, especially by emerging markets,” Cervero added.

Africa, Asia and Europe showed the most growth in their export purchases, and Canada recorded the smallest gains for year-end 2007.

Africa led the way in 2007 with a 67% gain in export purchases, for a total of $1.1 billion. Exports to Asia grew 57% and totaled $2.4 billion dollars, while Europe took delivery of $2.8 billion of U.S.-made equipment, a 50% gain compared to 2007.

Export business to Canada showed the smallest growth–an increase of 8.5% that totaled $5.5 billion.

Construction machinery exports to South America grew 20% in 2007, with purchases worth $2.3 billion; and exports to Central America came in at $1.6 billion, a 27% increase. Export business to Australia/Oceania increased 12% to top $1.6 billion.

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