U.S. exports of agricultural-related machinery totaled more than $8.95 billion in 2010, a gain of more than 12% compared to the previous year, according to the Assn. of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). The AEM North American-based international trade group consolidates U.S. Commerce Department data with other sources into a quarterly export trends report.

"There is a growing need in developing countries to provide adequate energy and food supplies to sustain the world population, and agricultural equipment plays a vital role in boosting productivity to meet these needs,” stated Charlie O’Brien, AEM vice president agricultural sector. “This increase in exports is encouraging after 2009 declines of more than 20% and reinforce the importance of global trade to U.S. farm equipment manufacturers."

South and Central America recorded the strongest gains. Farm equipment exports to South America grew 59% with purchases totaling $970 million, and exports to Central America gained 36% and totaled $882 million.

Farm equipment exports to Asia increased 24% for a total $800 million while Africa took delivery of $261 million worth of American-made agricultural equipment, an increase of 16%. Canada recorded farm equipment export purchases for 2010 of $3.1 billion, a 13-percent increase.

U.S. exports to Europe dropped 5% for a total $2.2 billion, and exports to Australia/Oceania declined 7% for a total $721 million.

The top countries buying the most U.S.-made farm machinery in 2010 were:

1. Canada - $3.1 billion, up 13%;

2. Mexico - $720 million, up 35%;

3. Australia - $658 million, down 10%;

4. Germany - $356 million, up 2%;

5. Brazil - $338 million, up 85%;

6. China - $291 million, up 35%;

7. France - $273 million, down 20%;

8. United Kingdom - $255 million, up 2%;

9. Netherlands - $199 million, up 44%;

10. Argentina - $168 million, up 104%;

11. Belgium - $153 million, down 23%;

12. Russia - $151 million, up 20%;

13. Venezuela - $151 million, up 62%;

14. South Africa - $133 million, down 1%;

15. Ukraine - $116 million, up 26%.       

Media contact: Pat Monroe (pmonroe@aem.org, 414-298-4123 direct, 414-272-0943)