Retail sales of construction and earthmoving equipment fell back in July after showing increases in the two previous months, according to recent data released by the CEA.
Sales in July were close to 2,250 units, which was just under 21% below the levels seen in the same month in 2023. As a result, sales in the first seven months of the year to July have reached over 16,200 units, which is 29% lower than in the same period last year. Sales in the first half of the year had been 30% behind last years’ levels, so this actually reflects a minor improvement.
The pattern in the last three months has been for sales to be close to 20% below the levels seen in the same month last year. The 12 month moving average shows that sales are remaining close to the long term average currently, which is still on a downward trend as a result of the sharp decline in the second half of last year and a modest recovery so far this year.
In terms of equipment type, telehandlers (for construction) (-18%) remain the best performing product so far this year, ahead of wheeled loaders (-25%). Crawler excavators were one of the weakest performing, showing a 33% shortfall in sales this year.
Across the UK all regions continue to see declining sales compared with last year, with London remaining as the best performing region so far, with sales at 12% below 2023 levels. East of England is not far behind, at just under 14% below last years’ levels. Northern Ireland has seen the weakest sales so far this year at 47% below last year, closely followed by the West Midlands at 43% behind 2023 levels.
Equipment sales in the Republic of Ireland are also reported in the statistics. After showing improvements in Q2, sales in July were 20% below 2023 levels. As a result, sales in the first seven months of the year have slipped back to a 5.5% shortfall compared with 2023 levels.
