Plant sales surge

28 April 2021

No-one could have predicted this a year ago when the country was in the grip of the first lockdown. 

Figures released by the CEA (Construction Equipment Association) show that retail sales of construction and earthmoving equipment in March 2021 were close to double the levels seen in the same month last year. Sales in the first quarter were 30% above 2020 levels and reached over 8,000 units. 

It might be said that it’s not too surprising given the pent-up demand released post-lockdown.

However, the statistics, compiled by Systematics International in partnership with the association, also compare sales with Q1 of 2019 to put the strength of the recovery into context. 

This shows that sales this year were 2.9% above 2019 levels, with excavators up to 10 tonnes in the greatest demand. And the CEA is confident that sales should see a strong recovery for the full year.

Nevertheless, many hirers I speak to are finding machines scarce due to global supply chain disruptions, and limited availability for some spares. 

What impact might this situation eventually have on demand, prices of new equipment and hire rates? That’s been discussed on the blog recently, here.