U.S. construction equipment exports for 2005 increased 35 percent over the previous year as $12 billion worth of American-made machinery was shipped to countries across the globe, according to data released by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

South America recorded the strongest gains, with a 51-percent increase, while Central America experienced the least growth, with a 15-percent gain. The AEM international trade group consolidates U.S. Commerce Department data with other sources into a quarterly trends report.

Construction equipment exports to Asia in 2005 rose 33 percent to total $1.7 billion. Exports to Europe and Canada each increased 35 percent, with Europe's purchases totaling $2.1 billion; and Canada, $4.1 billion. Exports to Australia/Oceania increased $1.1 billion, a 39-percent gain, and exports to Africa grew 31 percent and totaled $459 million.

The top country purchasers of U.S. construction equipment in 2005 were:
Canada, $4.1 billion, up 35 percent; and Australia, $1 billion, up 40 percent.