Sales in the year's first half have reached 19,600 units, 7% ahead of the first half of 2022. While current sentiment in the market is still anticipating a modest downturn in sales in the second half of the year, this will be from 'record' high levels achieved in the year's first half.
The pattern of sales for the major equipment types is shown in the chart below, which compares sales in the first half of the year with the first six months of 2022. This shows percentage changes in sales for the different machine types. Road rollers show the strongest growth at 37% above last year's levels, following very strong sales in June. Only the low-volume products have shown weaker sales than last year in the first six months (-5%), grouped as 'Others' in the chart below.
The pattern of sales on a regional basis in the UK and N Ireland is mixed. This year's strongest sales are still in Scotland and the South East of England, where sales remain around 30% ahead of last year's. Only three regions are seeing lower growth than last year, consisting of the North West of England (-16%), Northern Ireland (-5%) and London (-4%).
Equipment sales in the Republic of Ireland are also reported in the statistics exchange. Sales in May and June were at similar levels to 2022, and sales in the first half of the year are 3% above last year's, due mainly to a very strong first quarter.
Systematics International Ltd runs the construction equipment statistics exchange. This scheme is administered in partnership with the Construction Equipment Association (CEA), the UK trade association.
