October 26 - In its latest shipping index, Skelton Sherborne reports that machinery import volumes into Australia in September increased by 16 percent to 3,663 units.

The company, which specialises in the international shipping of heavy machinery, such as earth moving equipment, mining and construction equipment, says that as forecast last month volumes continue to improve gradually.

In the report, Skelton Sherborne adds that it is seeing increasing inquiries on used equipment from Europe as the fallout from the debt problems there flows through to contractors and dealers.

Whilst Skelton Sherborne reports that the Customs FOB value fell from AUD527 million (USD552.53) in August to AUD463 million (USD485.43) in September - a decrease of 12 percent - there were significant increases in the movement of crushers, other earthmoving machines, road making/paving & other public works equipment; and tracked cranes. Movements of scrapers and screeners were down.

The full report can be seen here.