Skip to main content

AEM sets agenda

Construction machinery and equipment sales worldwide are predicted to be up by 14.7 % in 2011, according to the annual business outlook survey by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).
April 24, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
RSSConstruction machinery and equipment sales worldwide are predicted to be up by 14.7 % in 2011, according to the annual business outlook survey by the 1100 Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

The AEM says its survey results indicate sales will also continue to grow in the next three years, but at a lower rate than 2011. In 2011, machinery and equipment sales in the U.S. are expected to grow 18.6% compared to last year; Canadian sales are forecast to increase 14.7%; and sales across the rest of the world are anticipated to rise 14.7%. U.S sales are predicted to grow 10.8% in 2012, 9.9% in 2013, and 8.1% in 2014.

Canadian business overall is expected to be 9.0% higher in 2012, then increase 9.8% in 2013 and 7.3% in 2014. Meanwhile, equipment sales across the rest of the world are anticipated to rise 10.5% in 2012, 9.5% in 2013, and 8.2% in 2014. AEM, the North American-based international trade group representing the off-road equipment manufacturing industry, surveyed manufacturers of around 40 different types of machines, attachments and components, used to build and repair roads, bridges, houses, offices, schools and other infrastructure worldwide, and asked them to rank several factors affecting future business. The state of the general economy, including consumer confidence, credit availability and steel prices, were seen as major negative factors influencing future sales. A key positive factor cited was the consistent strong demand for construction equipment exports. "In 2011, construction equipment manufacturing kept improving from the depths of the recession as the economy stabilised. Earlier this year it looked like the economy was truly turning around, but we still have some uncertainty, in both U.S. and international markets, and this is hampering stronger, more sustainable growth," said AEM president Dennis Slater. "Export sales have been crucial to help many manufacturers get through the recession, and they still contribute greatly to a positive balance sheet for many companies. That's why export-friendly policies such as free trade agreements are important to keep American companies in business."

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Road transport key to Africa's trade links
    February 17, 2012
    Road transport is the key to improving Africa's links within its own territory, and further afield as Patrick Smith reports. Development of road transportation is the key to the future of the African economy, and countries on the continent are making great strides. According to a report by a transport infrastructure expert at the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), within the next 15 years the value of trade in Africa could reach US$250 billion if a $32 billion investment is made to integrate
  • Euro Auctions achieve new internet sales record
    March 2, 2012
    Euro Auctions set a new internet sales record for the company after online buyers spent more than US$10.9million (£7million) on used plant equipment during a recent auction in northern England.
  • JCB’s 2014 results hit by weaker BRIC trading
    May 18, 2015
    UK construction equipment manufacturer JCB reports lower sales than in the previous financial year. Sales turnover slid to €3.46 billion (£2.51 billion) compared with the €3.69 billion (£2.68 billion) achieved in the previous year. The firm recorded machine sales of 64,028 units, compared with 66,227 in 2013. Overall JCB says that despite improvements in some Western markets, falls in other sales territories hit overall business. The company also faced a one off restructuring cost of €15.14 million (£11 mil
  • CECE Summit 2020: a shift in mindset needed
    January 29, 2020
    Digitalisation and sustainability focused minds at the recent biennial CECE Summit in Brussels