MILWAUKEE  — U.S. sales of tractors and combines remained positive at the mid-year mark, with all machine categories in the plus column, according to the latest data from the Assn. of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

U.S. sales of self-propelled combines at mid-year 2018 grew 20.5% compared to 2017 January-June; U.S. sales of the machines in June grew 4% compared to June 2017.

January-June U.S. sales of 4WD tractors gained 5% over 2017 year-to-date sales; June sales jumped 23% compared to last year.

Total U.S. sales of 2WD tractors at mid-year grew 6.5% over the same time period in 2017; all categories were positive, with strongest gains in the under-40 HP category at 8%.

For 2WD tractors, June U.S. sales in the 100-plus HP category increased 16%, under-40 HP tractors grew 15%, and 40-100 HP 2WD tractors gained 4%.

“The ag equipment industry is improving and moving toward a demand replacement cycle. Because of this, we see the opportunity for continued growth in tractor and combine sales for the rest of 2018,” said Scott Harris, Case IH Vice President, North America.

“We view 2018 as a rebuilding year for agriculture; we’ve experienced a steadily improving economy, tax reform provides incentives and machines need to be replaced,” said Curt Blades, AEM senior vice president, AG services. “We’re still concerned with the impact of tariffs and trade wars on continued stability for manufacturers and their customers.”

“We’re encouraged by recent House and Senate passage of their 2018 Farm Bills, and we are emphasizing cooperative action on a final bill. Inclusion of crop insurance safeguards and other provisions will help provide some business certainty for farmers and ranchers,” said Blades. 

See the chart below for more details and here is a link to the full report online:  https://www.aem.org/AEM/media/docs/Statistics/18-06-USAG.pdf.