Exports of U.S. agricultural equipment dropped 9.5% during the first half of 2013 compared to midyear 2012 to total $6.5 billion, down from $7.2 billion a year earlier, according to the Assn. of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). The AEM off-road equipment manufacturing trade group produces global trends reports for members consolidating U.S. Commerce Department data with other sources.

The steepest declines in American farm machinery exports were to South America, Europe and Australia/Oceania, with Asia among the regions showing a modest gain.

For agricultural equipment exports for the first half of 2013, compared with midyear 2012:

• Exports to South America declined 29% to $574 million; exports to Europe dropped 23% to $1.7 billion; and exports to Australia/Oceania decreased 24% to $463 million.
• Exports to Asia increased 7% for a total $654 million, with exports to Central America gaining 2% to $603 million.
• Exports to Canada increased 8% for a total $2.4 billion.
• Exports to Africa declined 8% for a total $220 million. 

The top countries buying U.S.-made farm machinery for the first half of 2013 were: (1) Canada - $2.4 billion, up 8%; (2) Mexico - $521 million, up 2%; (3) Australia - $429 million, down 25%; (4) China - $289 million, down 1%; (5) Germany - $274 million, down 16%; (6) Brazil - $261 million, down 38%; (7) France - $196 million, down 22%; (8) Russia - $183 million, down 21%; (9) South Africa - $156 million, down 10%; (10) Ukraine - $145 million, down 46%.