European construction equipment firms’ exports to US drop nearly 30% in 2025

But an improving construction market in Europe itself has helped the market to stabilise as “moderate” growth prospects emerge.

That’s according to the latest annual economic report from the Committee for European Construction Equipment (CECE).

Sales in the European construction equipment sector increased by 4.6% in 2025. Despite comparatively high interest rates and weak residential building, growth of around 3% in civil engineering and infrastructure during the year helped support construction equipment sales.

CECE forecast a more positive year for European OEMs’ sales in 2026, with moderate growth of around 2% to 2.5%, driven by a recovering of Europe’s housing construction sector.

However, CECE warned that the recovery is dependent on macroeconomic conditions and public investment policy, rather than a spontaneous rebound.

And the extent to which unpredictable global trade conditions affect European OEMs was illustrated by the decline in exports to the US of nearly 30% in 2025. While figures for the year have not yet been finalized, the drop, which brings exports down to the lowest level since the Covid 19 pandemic year of 2020, is likely to have been as a result of trade tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump last year.

Meanwhile, the total value of imports of Chinese construction equipment to Europe was forecast to reach its highest-ever level, approaching nearly €3.5 billion. Just 10 years ago, in 2016, imports of Chinese machines totalled only around €500 million.

Commenting on the report, Riccardo Viaggi, CECE secretary general, said, “While the economic downturn is behind us, the challenges facing European manufacturers are far from over. Trade barriers are rising, Chinese competition is intensifying, and over-regulation continues to weigh on Europe’s industry. With exports to key markets such as the United States under severe pressure, Europe must focus on strengthening its own market. In a changing global economic landscape, a strong European construction market with a genuine level playing field is more essential than ever.”

CECE’s full economic report is available to download here.