Exports of construction machinery fell 21% in the first half of 2013, according to data compiled by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. Based on data from the U.S. Dept. of Commerce and other industry sources, AEM says equipment makers shipped $10.8 billion worth of construction machinery in the first half of 2013, down from the $13.7 billion shipped at the midpoint of 2012.

Deep declines were seen in exports to all global regions compared to the first half of 2012, with the exception of Central America, which saw an increase of 15%, to $1.2 billion. Construction equipment exports to South America were down 13%, to $1.9 billion, but year-over-year increases were seen in both Brazil and Colombia.

Canada and Mexico were the biggest buyers of U.S.-made construction equipment in the first half of 2013, according to AEM figures. Exports of U.S.-made equipment to Canada reached $3.7 billion, a 15% drop from 2012. Equipment exports to Mexico rose 18%, to $1 billion.

The steepest regional drop in exports was seen in the Australia and Oceania region, with only $750 million in the first half of 2013, a 62% drop from the first half of 2012. This trend was led by Australia, which saw construction equipment exports from the U.S. drop 63%, to $715 million.

Construction equipment exports to Asia were down 24%, to $1.2 billion. China saw a significant drop, with only $243 million in construction equipment exports from the U.S., down 38% from the first half of 2012.