Italian agricultural machinery exports to the US fall 42% in the first half of the year

Italian agricultural machinery exports to the United States fell 42,4% in the first half of 2025, falling from €480 million to €276 million. This decline is compromising the performance of the sector as a whole, which saw a 10,4% drop in foreign sales.

According to data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), released by FederUnacoma on the eve of the Agrilevante trade fair, the reduction is linked to tariffs imposed by the current US administration. Until last year, the United States was the main destination for Italian exports, particularly tractors, machinery for specialized cultivation, irrigation, and haymaking.

unfavorable scenario

Faced with this unfavorable scenario, Italian manufacturers are targeting new markets. Countries with developing agriculture, such as Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, are concentrating their industry efforts. The focus is also on the Mediterranean region, where Italy maintains a leading position.

Even in an adverse global context, the Mediterranean market shows resilience. Exports to the region declined by only 3%. Between 2021 and 2024, Italian sales grew 15%, rising from €1,93 billion to €2,21 billion. Currently, Italy is the leading supplier of agricultural machinery to Albania, Greece, Turkey, Israel, and Tunisia. It is also among the top three suppliers to France, Spain, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, and others.

Africa, especially north and south of the Sahara, is gaining strategic prominence. The continent, with an estimated population of 2,5 billion by 2050, faces food security challenges. Annual food imports already total US$35 billion and could reach US$110 billion by the end of 2025.

FederUnacoma president Mariateresa Maschio emphasizes that future demand will also be for higher-quality food. This will require mechanization at every stage, from cultivation to transportation and processing. She believes the Italian industry is prepared to meet this new consumer profile.