US exports of construction equipment continued to grow in 2011 and ended the first half of the year up 48 per cent compared to January-June of 2010. Total construction machinery exports at midyear were $11 billion, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). The off-road equipment manufacturing trade group consolidates US Commerce Department data with other sources into member global trend reports. "Exports remain a bright spot for the US construction machinery manufacturing industry with continued weakness in the domestic marketplace. Pro-American export policies such as free trade agreements are proven to spur economic growth, which means manufacturers can provide more jobs for US workers. That's a key message of our I Make America campaign, which underscores the significant role of manufacturing in US job creation," stated Al Cervero, AEM Vice President and construction sector leader.

Exports of US-made construction machinery to South America grew 51 per cent to total $ 2.1 billion, and exports to Central America totaled $ 933 million for a 24 per cent gain. Among the "top 10" countries buying equipment during the first half of 2011 were Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. Asia's export purchases increased 54 per cent to $1.5 billion, and Europe's 75 per cent gain translated to $1.4 billion. Australia/Oceania took delivery of 52 per cent more American-made construction machinery for a total $1 billion, and exports to Canada increased 43 per cent and totaled $3.4 billion. US exports to Africa grew 50 per cent for a total $636 million.