U.S. Farm Exports Up In 2012

Exports of U.S.-made agricultural equipment increased 16% in 2012 compared to the previous year for a total $12.8 billion, with Africa leading the way in growth, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), citing U.S. Commerce Dept. data.

AEM said the 16% gain for 2012 follows 23% growth in 2011 and 12% growth in 2010, after a 2009 decline of 23% in the depths of the recession.

U.S. exports of agricultural equipment to Africa gained 33% compared to the previous year for a total $443 million; exports to Asia increased 18% for a total $1.1 billion. South America’s purchases of U.S. agricultural equipment in 2012 grew 19% to total $1.5 billion, and exports to Central America grew 15% to total $1.2 billion.

Europe’s purchases of U.S. agricultural equipment gained 12% for a total $3.3 billion; exports to Canada grew 18% and totaled $4 billion; and exports to Australia/Oceania increased 6% to $1.2 billion.

The top 10 export destinations for American-made agricultural machinery in 2012 by dollar volume:

1. Canada – $4 billion, up 18%
2. Australia – $1.1 billion, up 5%
3. Mexico – $959 million, up 19%
4. Brazil – $729 million, up 41%
5. Germany – $497 million, up 9%
6. China – $468 million, up 42%
7. Ukraine – $382 million, up 30%
8. France – $370 million, up 18%
9. Russia – $334 million, up 42%
10. South Africa – $315 million, up 47%