When it comes to news about the farm machinery sector, spring tends to be a relatively quiet time.
There are a couple of big farm shows in the U.S. over the winter, at which the major brands unveil some of their newest offerings. Then there’s typically a lull until the summer-season shows begin, where the machinery introductions ramp up again.
But this spring, machinery markets are not just quiet but unusually quiet. And U.S. tariffs are clearly the reason.
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As Donald Trump continues to roil markets, creating economic instability with fluctuating tariff rules, delivery of new farm equipment has been disrupted in a way that hasn’t existed since the Second World War.
But U.S. farmers are the ones most affected so far.
The farm equipment industry, like most others, is a global one. Major brands have manufacturing plants in several countries. Although all build equipment in the U.S., some machines are imported into North America, including the U.S., from overseas.
That flow of equipment into the U.S. has been disrupted because of the fluctuating tariffs.
Agco announced April 8 it was temporarily suspending shipments of equipment into the U.S. from overseas plants. Two days later, the company updated its plans, saying “Agco is resuming shipment of certain products into the U.S. from most global locations. Evaluation continues on all actions as we prioritize serving our farmers and dealers while minimizing tariff impact.”
Although it didn’t make any formal announcement, rumours circulated in April that CNH, the parent company of Case IH and New Holland, had also suspended overseas shipments to the U.S.
When asked for comment, CNH replied only that “in North America, we have resumed shipment of sold units. Impact to future orders will be announced at a later time.”
All of that has left equipment manufacturers in a wait-and-see mode.
Agco has said it will continue to keep parts flowing to ensure farmers can service existing machines.
“The shipment of parts into or from the U.S. is not currently impacted by this action,” its statement says.
Shipments to Canada should remain virtually unaffected, though. The counter-tariffs imposed so far include only some mowers. Other ag machinery types aren’t included.
CLARIFICATION, May 10, 2025: Article updated to note Agco‘s April 10 announcement that it had resumed shipments to the U.S. from its overseas plants.
