U.S. exports of construction equipment were up 48% through the first half of 2011 compared with the same period in 2010, according to an industry group.
Through June, exports of construction machinery totaled $11 billion, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), which consolidates Commerce Department data with data from other sources for its reports.
"Exports remain a bright spot for the U.S. construction-machinery manufacturing industry with continued weakness in the domestic marketplace," said Al Cervero, AEM vice president and construction-sector leader.
Among the highlights of the trade association's data:
Exports of U.S.-made construction machinery to South America grew 51% to $2.1 billion.
Exports to Australia/Oceania increased 52% to $1 billion.
Exports to Canada increased 43% to $3.4 billion.
Exports to Africa grew 50% to $636 million.
Exports to Asia increased 54% to $1.5 billion.
Exports to Europe jumped 75% to $1.4 billion.
The top 10 export destinations for American-made construction equipment during the first half of 2011 were:
Canada -- $3.4 billion, up 43%.
Australia -- $1 billion, up 61%.
Mexico -- $742 million, up 35%.
Chile -- $608 million, up 32%.
China -- $480 million, up 98%.
Brazil -- $480 million, up 28%.
Colombia -- $419 million, up 121%.
South Africa - $325 million, up 88%.
Russia -- $319 million, up 195%.
Peru -- $290 million, up 72%.
"Pro-American export policies such as free-trade agreements are proven to spur economic growth, which means manufacturers can provide more jobs for U.S. workers," Cervero concluded in a news release.
