Sales of construction equipment in the UK grew by about 8 per cent in 2017, the latest figures show. In the fourth quarter of 2017, retail sales of construction and earthmoving equipment in the UK market grew by 7.4 per cent compared with the same period in 2016. This took total growth for the year to 7.6 per cent, compared with 2016, reaching approximately 30,000 units for the year, according to industry reports.

Exports of construction and earthmoving equipment from UK also showed strong growth last year. According to reports, exports reached ?2,917 million, an increase of 22 per cent on 2016 levels. Imports of equipment also increased in 2017, to ?1,488 million, 16 per cent higher than 2016, reflecting the improved domestic demand for equipment.