U.S. Combine Sales Fall 4.3% in December, AEM Reports

U.S. self-propelled combine sales totaled 422 units in December 2025, down 4.3% year-over-year, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. The result reflects a softer finish to the year in the high-value harvesting equipment segment.

The December figures point to a cautious demand environment among large-scale grain producers, as combine purchases remain closely linked to farm profitability and replacement cycles.

U.S. tractor sales totaled 19,914 units in April 2026, down 11.3% year-over-year, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. The decline was driven by continued weakness in high-horsepower equipment, while lower segments also posted softer results.

U.S. Tractor Sales Fall 11.3% in April, AEM Reports

U.S. self-propelled combine sales totaled 428 units in April 2026, up 3.4% year-over-year, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. The increase contrasts with the broader slowdown in the tractor market, signaling more stable demand in the high-value harvesting segment.

U.S. Combine Sales Rise 3.4% in April, AEM Reports

Key Figures (December 2025 – U.S.)

Self-propelled combines: 422 units (-4.3% YoY)
Full-year 2025: 3,579 units (-35.6% YoY)

Combine Market Ends the Year Lower

The December decline capped a difficult year for the combine segment, which experienced substantial volatility and weaker purchasing activity throughout 2025.

Because of the relatively low number of units sold, combine sales tend to fluctuate more sharply than tractor categories.

Full-Year Performance Shows Sharp Decline

According to the latest monthly report from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, U.S. combine sales totaled 3,579 units in 2025, down 35.6% compared to 2024.

The result highlights the sensitivity of high-value harvesting equipment demand to shifts in farm income expectations and financing conditions.

Market Context

The weaker year-end performance reflects a more cautious investment environment across the U.S. agricultural sector.

Large-scale producers continued to delay or moderate capital-intensive purchases as market uncertainty persisted.

Conclusion

U.S. combine sales declined 4.3% in December 2025, closing a year marked by significant weakness in the harvesting equipment market. The sharp annual decline underscores the cautious investment environment facing high-value machinery segments.