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

  • European Construction Industry Federation, FIEC, concerned about market
    June 16, 2014
    According to the European Construction Industry Federation, FIEC, there is light at the end of the tunnel in terms of market activity. The FIEC estimates a decline of 2.3% in overall EU construction activity in 2013 but forecasts stabilisation of in 2014 with market gains of 0.1% expected overall. “There can be no growth without investment!” warned FIEC vice president Jacques Huillard, responsible for economic issues. He presented FIEC’s annual statistics prior to the FIEC’s Congress. “The policy of austeri
  • VDMA optimistic for machine sales
    July 16, 2015
    The VDMA is the German equipment manufacturing association and says it is optimistic with regard to machine demand. The VDMA’s latest forecast for the construction equipment business segment in 2015 suggests market growth of 4%. According to the VDMA, the bauma 2016 construction equipment event in Munich in spring 2016 will also provide strong impetus for machine sales. German construction equipment manufacturers are more optimistic at the middle of the year than they were at the beginning – "even though u
  • Liebherr turnover up 9.8% in 2011
    July 12, 2012
    Liebherr Group said an increase in trade with emergent markets fuelled an overall Group turnover rise of 9.8% to €8.33billion in 2011. And a Group spokesperson said they expect a further 10% turnover rise for the leading German construction machine manufacturer in 2012. Turnover from construction machinery and mining equipment recorded an above-average increase of 13.5 % in 2011, generating revenues of €5.38billion.
  • Times they are a changing
    July 23, 2012
    Construction in China still appears to be on course for growth even with the gloomy economic outlook, as it enjoys "a strong budgets position." Patrick Smith reports One thing is certain in the current global economic climate: nothing is certain. And while China has not been unaffected by the economic events of recent months it has, according to Robert Zoellinck, president of the World Bank, a very strong current account and budgetary position. For some years, the nation has enjoyed double digit growth (the