A total of 2524 machines were imported in the month compared to 1242 in February, according to Skelton Sherborne’s Shipping Index.The free-on-board value of the equipment also improved significantly from $196 million in February to $290 million in March – a 49% increase. Import figures were up in all categories except for bulldozers, which fell 19%.The biggest increase was in road making/paving and public works equipment, which rose by 628% from 64 imports in February to 466 in March. Excavators under 12 tonne was again the leading equipment category by volume, with 613 imports, or 24% of total imports.This was closely followed by wheel loaders at 480 units, or 19% of total imports. “We are seeing most of our customers starting to build their inventory levels,” Skelton Sherborne said.“Certainly not to pre-global financial crisis levels but nonetheless growth is evident.“Used equipment volumes have been slowly recovering also.”
