U.S. exports of agricultural machinery continued to grow in 2011 and ended the first half of the year with a gain of 15%, according to the Assn. of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). Midyear 2011 exports totaled $5.6 billion compared to January-June 2010. The off-road equipment manufacturing trade group consolidates U.S. Commerce Dept. data with other sources into member global trend reports.

"Exports continue to provide a substantial boost to manufacturers’ overall business as producers around the world seek enhanced productivity to meet global food needs. Export-friendly policies such as free trade agreements help American manufacturers and farmers stay in business, which translates into more jobs for U.S. workers. That’s a major tenet of our I Make America campaign and its spotlight on the importance of manufacturing to U.S. prosperity," stated Charlie O'Brien, AEM vice president and agriculture sector leader.

• South America took delivery of $579 million worth of U.S.-made agricultural equipment, an increase of 56%, and Central America increased its purchases 9% to total $506 million.
• Asia’s export purchases gained 13% to $483 million, and exports to Australia/Oceania grew 20%, representing $452 million worth of farm-related equipment.
• Exports to Europe gained 19% to $1.6 billion, and exports to Canada increased 4% and totaled $1.8 billion.
• U.S. exports to Africa grew 13% for a total $131 million.

The top 10 export destinations for American-made agricultural equipment during the first half of 2011 were:

(1) Canada - $1.8 billion, up 4%

(2) Australia - $423 million, up 21%

(3) Mexico - $395 million, up 1%

(4) Germany - $260 million, up 20%

(5) Brazil - $242 million, up 82%

(6) France - $185 million, up 7%

(7) China - $179 million, down 3%

(8) Ukraine - $159 million, up 111%

(9) United Kingdom - $145 million, down 4%

(10) Russia - $124 million, up 13%