The global construction equipment industry posted its strongest year on record in 2025, with estimated worldwide sales exceeding $210 billion. North American markets led the growth, driven by infrastructure investment, manufacturing reshoring, and continued strong residential and commercial construction activity.

This report compiles key statistics capturing the industry’s historic performance.

Global Market Size

$210 billion — Estimated global construction equipment sales in 2025, representing 7% growth from 2024.

$78 billion — North American equipment sales, the region’s highest total ever recorded.

$62 billion — European equipment sales, with growth concentrated in Western European markets.

$54 billion — Asia-Pacific equipment sales, with China showing continued growth after pandemic recovery.

Equipment Categories

Excavators remained the largest category globally, with approximately 450,000 units sold worldwide. North America accounted for approximately 52,000 excavator units.

Wheel loaders global sales exceeded 220,000 units, with strong demand in infrastructure and material handling applications.

Compact equipment continued rapid growth, with skid steer and compact track loader sales approaching 100,000 units in North America alone.

Dozers and graders benefited from infrastructure spending, with sales growth exceeding 10% in North American markets.

North American Performance

The North American market posted exceptional performance:

8% — Year-over-year growth in new equipment sales

$78 billion — Total market size including new sales, used equipment, parts, and service

12% — Increase in compact equipment sales, the fastest-growing category

15% — Increase in infrastructure-related equipment sales (graders, pavers, compactors)

Regional Variations

Markets varied significantly by region:

Midwest — Led growth at approximately 12%, driven by manufacturing construction and infrastructure

Texas — Strong performance at 9% growth, supported by energy, commercial, and residential construction

Southeast — Solid 7% growth with continued population-driven construction

West — More modest 4% growth, with California markets moderating from previous peaks

OEM Performance

Major manufacturers reported strong results:

Caterpillar — Equipment sales exceeded $35 billion globally, with North American construction equipment particularly strong

John Deere — Construction and forestry equipment sales grew 11%, with the Tenna acquisition expanding technology capabilities

Komatsu — Continued strong performance in excavator categories globally

Volvo CE — European market leadership maintained while North American share expanded

Hitachi — Excavator sales grew in key markets despite supply constraints

CNH Industrial (CASE/New Holland) — Strong compact equipment performance and infrastructure category gains

Rental Market

The equipment rental market also set records:

$68 billion — Estimated North American equipment rental market size

9% — Year-over-year rental revenue growth

85% — Average fleet utilization for major rental companies

15% — Increase in specialty equipment rental categories

National rental companies including United Rentals, Sunbelt, and Herc expanded fleets and opened new locations to meet demand.

Used Equipment

The secondary market processed significant transaction volume:

$24 billion — Estimated North American used equipment transaction value

8% — Decline in average auction prices from 2024 peaks

23% — Increase in auction lot volume as supply normalized

95% — Sale rate at major auctions, indicating continued strong demand

Employment

Industry employment reached historic levels:

185,000 — Estimated North American equipment manufacturing employment

650,000 — Estimated equipment dealer and service employment

2.1 million — Estimated equipment operator employment

Labor shortages remained the industry’s primary challenge, with workforce development programs expanding to address gaps.

Technology Adoption

Technology integration accelerated:

73% — Share of new equipment shipped with telematics capability

45% — Share of excavators sold with factory-integrated grade control

12,000+ — Estimated electric equipment units sold in North America

$8 billion — Estimated global spending on construction equipment technology

Supply Chain Status

Supply conditions improved significantly during 2025:

4-8 weeks — Typical lead time for most equipment categories, down from 12-18 months at peak disruption

95%+ — Parts availability rate for major OEM systems

15-25% — Equipment and parts prices above pre-pandemic levels, but stable during 2025

Supply chain challenges have largely normalized, though certain components remain constrained.

Investment Activity

Industry investment remained robust:

$4.2 billion — Announced manufacturing facility investments in North America

$890 million — Largest acquisition (Volvo CE/Allied Construction Products)

$2.1 billion — Estimated R&D spending on electric and autonomous equipment

$800 million — Dealer network expansion investment

2026 Outlook

Industry forecasters project continued growth in 2026:

4-6% — Projected North American market growth

Excavators — Expected to remain strongest category

Electric equipment — Projected to exceed 15,000 North American units

Infrastructure — Highway and water infrastructure expected to drive continued growth

Challenges — Labor availability, emission regulations, and interest rate effects

Conclusion

2025 represented a historic year for the construction equipment industry, with records set across multiple metrics. The combination of infrastructure investment, manufacturing reshoring, and normalized supply conditions created exceptional market conditions.

While 2026 growth rates may moderate from 2025 levels, the fundamental drivers supporting equipment demand remain strong. Contractors and fleet operators can expect continued robust market conditions, with attention shifting from supply availability to workforce capacity as the primary constraint.

Equipment Insider will continue providing industry analysis and market intelligence throughout 2026. Subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing coverage.