Construction machine sales strengthening during 2018

Newly available data reveals that construction equipment sales are showing further growth in in the second quarter of 2018. The report reveals that retail sales of construction and earthmoving equipment in the UK market grew by 3.8% in the second quarter of 2018, compared with the same period in 2017. This is according to the UK equipment statistics exchange provided by data processing specialist Systematics International and run in partnership with the Construction Equipment Association (CEA). Th
August 8, 2018 Read time: 2 mins
Newly available data reveals that construction equipment sales are showing further growth in in the second quarter of 2018. The report reveals that retail sales of construction and earthmoving equipment in the UK market grew by 3.8% in the second quarter of 2018, compared with the same period in 2017. This is according to the UK equipment statistics exchange provided by data processing specialist Systematics International and run in partnership with the 3418 Construction Equipment Association (CEA).         


This report reveals a continued trend towards a slowing rate of quarterly growth this year compared with 2017, with growth last year in the second quarter at just below 8%. The graph below shows quarterly sales on an index basis, using the first quarter of 2016 as 100. This illustrates a continuing upward trend in sales, but at a slowing rate of growth. Overall, this is an encouraging position for the industry, against the background of a weak construction market, which is anticipated to show flat output, or possibly a small decline this year.

In the first half of the year, equipment sales have recorded 5% growth in total compared with the first half of 2017, reaching over 16,000 units. The graph below illustrates a consistent seasonal pattern of sales across the last three years, with the second quarter remaining as the peak quarter of demand.

Amongst the most popular machine types, crawler excavators weighing over 10tonnes showed the strongest growth in the second quarter at 11% up on the same quarter in 2017. Telehandlers and mini/midi excavators (below 10tonnes) also continued to show growth at 10% and 3%, compared with the same quarter in 2017. The latest feedback from the rental industry, which is estimated to account for over 60% of equipment supply, remains positive, with confidence holding amongst the major national companies.

Sales of some of the lower volume equipment types show a mix of growth rates. Wheeled loaders and backhoe loaders showed growth in the second quarter, but compaction rollers remain weak, and continue to show declining levels of sales compared with 2017.

Finance & Funding

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • MPA survey shows 'some growth'
    March 15, 2012
    A Mineral Products Association (MPA) survey results for the fourth quarter of 2011 indicate that while overall industry markets were broadly positive during 2011,
    Read More
  • UK construction equipment exports falling, says CEA
    December 8, 2016
    UK exports of components and parts significantly fell in the third quarter by total weight (down 33.5%) and value (down 20.5%), compared with Q2. The report from the Construction Equipment Association provides an update on quarterly exports and imports of components and parts. Data is taken from the UK government’s official trade statistics and is available in tonnage and monetary value of machinery and component parts (products). Products included are buckets and attachments, blades, parts for boring or
    Read More
  • European construction market remains strong
    June 19, 2019
    Construction activity remains strong in Europe, according to data from the industry body FIEC. The data from the FIEC reveals a 3.5% growth in activity in the overall EU construction industry in 2018 and forecasts a 2.2% growth for 2019. “Although the situation continues to vary from one country to the other, the overall picture is currently positive, with activity in new housebuilding even booming in several countries.” said FIEC president Kjetil Tonning, presenting construction’s annual statistics. “In
    Read More
  • Strong financial performance for Wacker Neuson
    May 10, 2023
    Wacker Neuson is seeing a strong financial performance.
    Read More

Highlighted Content