Exports of US-made construction machinery grew 26% from 2006 to 2007,with a total of USD17.2 billion worth of equipment sold worldwide.

The US-based Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) released the information after consolidating US Commerce Department data with other sources in its export trends report.

AEM senior vice president Al Cervero says the positive export data emphasises the importance of global trade to US manufacturers as business in the US slows down, and the continued need for free and fair global trade.

"The worldwide demand for infrastructure building has helped the construction equipment industry remain strong,' Cervero notes. "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," he adds.

Africa led the way in 2007 with a 67% gain in export purchases, a total of USD1.1 billion. Exports to Asia grew 57% to reach USD2.4 billion, while Europe received USD2.8 billion worth of US-made equipment, a 50% jump over 2006.

Export business to Canada showed the smallest growth - an 8.5% increase that totaled USD5.5 billion.

Construction machinery exports to South America grew 20% in 2007, with purchases worth USD2.3 billion; and exports to Central America rose 27%, a total of USD1.6 billion in sales. Export business to Australia/Oceania increased 12%, a total of USD6 billion.

The top 10 importers of U.S.-made construction machinery in 2007:

1. Canada - $5.5 billion (+8.5%)
2. Australia - $1.5 billion (+12%)
3. Mexico - $1.1 billion (+23%)
4. Chile - $675 million (+ 27%)
5. China - $632 million (+138%)
6. South Africa - $603 million (+67%)
7. Belgium - $589 million (+62%)
8. Brazil - $402 million (-8%)
9. Russia - $384 million (+53%)
10. United Kingdom - $355 million (+88%)