Total U.S. 2-wheel drive tractor sales gained 4 percent for March compared to last year, while 4-wheel-drive tractor sales dropped 5 percent and self-propelled combine sales declined 20 percent, according to the latest sales data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

First-quarter 2018 U.S. sales were essentially flat for the smaller-size tractors and 100-plus HP 2-wheel drive tractors declined about 5 percent for January-March YTD compared to 2017.

U.S. 4-wheel-drive tractor sales gained about 5 percent for the first quarter, and U.S. sales of self-propelled combines gained 4 percent for January-March YTD compared to 2017.

“As we close the first quarter of 2018, we are still cautiously optimistic for continued growth this year, but it’s tempered by uncertainty in the farm economy,” said Curt Blades, senior vice president, AG services.

“We are still contending with diplomatic jockeying over steel tariffs and China trade that is causing concern for the agriculture and manufacturing communities. Headwinds also include potential negative changes to the Renewable Fuels Standard. And, overall, we’re looking at the USDA forecast of a decline in 2018 net farm profits.

“Many farmers will still need to replace equipment at some point for longer term efficiencies, and we are still hopeful that tax reform could provide a positive stimulus.”

Here is link to the full report online: https://www.aem.org/market-data/statistics/us-ag-tractor-and-combine-reports/.

AEM is the North American-based international trade group providing innovative business development resources to advance the off-road equipment manufacturing industry in the global marketplace. Membership comprises more than 950 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture and construction-related sectors worldwide.