U.S. exports of agricultural machinery continued to grow in 2011 and ended the first half of the year with a gain of 15 percent, according to the Association 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.

The top 10 export destinations for American-made agricultural equipment during the first half of 2011 were: (1) Canada - $1.8 billion, up 4 percent; (2) Australia - $423 million, up 21 percent; (3) Mexico - $395 million, up 1 percent; (4) Germany - $260 million, up 20 percent; (5) Brazil - $242 million, up 82 percent; (6) France - $185 million, up 7 percent; (7) China - $179 million, down 3 percent; (8) Ukraine - $159 million, up 111 percent; (9) United Kingdom - $145 million, down 4 percent; (10) Russia - $124 million, up 13 percent.