Farm machinery exports gain ground in 2008

Exports of U.S. agricultural equipment to nations around the world topped $5.8 billion dollars for the first half of 2008 compared to mid-year 2007 numbers, for an increase of 30.5 percent, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). The North American-based international trade group produces a quarterly global markets report for members consolidating U.S. Department of Commerce data.

Asia and Central America recorded modest gains while all other major world regions reported substantial growth, led by Australia/Oceania and South America.

Exports to Australia/Oceania grew the most during the first half of 2008, an increase of 94 percent as the region took delivery of $347 million dollars worth of U.S. farm equipment. Exports to South America rose 37 percent, to total $406 million, while Central America purchased $398 million worth of American-made farm machinery, a gain of 8 percent.

Agricultural equipment exports to Europe rose 30 percent for January-June 2008 compared to a year earlier to total $2.6 billion, and exports to Canada were $1.55 billion, an increase of 35 percent. Exports to Asia increased 6 percent to total $398 million, and exports to Africa of U.S.-made farm equipment grew 29 percent and totaled $141 million.

"U.S. exports of farm machinery have been on the upswing for the past several years, and these numbers demonstrate the important and continuing role of exports in maintaining a vital agricultural equipment manufacturing industry," stated AEM Vice President Agricultural Services Charlie O'Brien.

The top five export destinations for U.S. farm machinery exports for the first half of 2008 were:

--Canada, $1.55 billion, up 35 percent;

--Russia, $456 million, up 63 percent;

--Germany, $331 million, up 25 percent;

--Australia, $305.5 million, up 97 percent;

--Mexico, $305 million, up 9 percent.

9/8/08
None\5-C

Date: 9/4/08

	Web hpj.com

Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2011.  High Plains Publishers, Inc.  All rights reserved.  Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com