John Deere, the U.S.based agricultural machinery giant, has retained its position as the world's top seller of
combine harvesters in 2024, according to the latest industry reports and sales data. Despite regional market fluctuations and evolving farmer demands, the company's comprehensive product portfolio, advanced smart farming technologies, and extensive global distribution network have solidified its dominant market share in the competitive combine harvester sector.
Valuates Reports' August 2025 analysis of the global combine harvester market confirms that John Deere leads the industry alongside CNH Industrial and Claas, with the top three companies collectively capturing approximately 46% of the global market share. The global combine harvester market was valued at $14.24 billion in 2024. John Deere's consistent performance has been a key driver of this growth, particularly in major agricultural regions such as North America and Asia-Pacific.
Regional sales data underscores John Deere's global reach. In India, a critical emerging market, the company's combine harvester sales rose 33% year-on-year from April to October 2024, with 298 units sold compared to 224 units in the same period in 2023, boosting its market share to 5.01%. In North America, despite an 80% year-on-year decline in overall combine sales in January 2025 due to farmer investment caution, John Deere maintained its leading position in the region's core agricultural belts. The company's ability to adapt to regional emission standards, such as India's transition to Bharat Stage IV norms, has further enhanced its competitiveness in local markets.
Technology innovation remains a cornerstone of John Deere's success. The company's
combine harvesters integrated with advanced GPS systems and digital monitoring tools have resonated with modern farmers seeking efficiency and precision. These technologies provide real-time data on engine performance, machine location, and harvesting speed, aligning with the global trend toward smart agriculture that is driving the combine harvester segment, which accounts for 39% of the total global harvester market. "John Deere's focus on digitization and sustainability has positioned it well to meet the evolving needs of farmers worldwide," noted an agricultural industry analyst at Valuates Reports.
The global competitive landscape remains intense, with European and Asian manufacturers vying for market share. Germany's Claas, a leader in the European market, celebrated a milestone in 2024 with over 500,000
combine harvesters sold globally, including 75,000 units of its flagship LEXION series. However, its 2024 net sales declined by 18.7% year-on-year to €4.997 billion due to reduced farmer investments, limiting its ability to challenge John Deere's global lead. CNH Industrial, owner of Case IH and New Holland, also maintained a strong presence, with New Holland's sales in India rising 48.9% year-on-year from April to October 2024.
Asian manufacturers are emerging as significant players, particularly in the regional markets. In China, Weichai Lovol and Jiangsu World led the domestic combine harvester market with 36.76% and 34.99% market shares respectively in 2024, driven by government subsidies and localized product offerings. Kubota, a Japanese agricultural machinery firm, ranked first in China's 2024 harvester brand rankings and maintained a strong global footprint, especially in rice-growing regions across Asia.
Industry experts anticipate continued growth in the combine harvester market, fueled by rising global food demand and the need for labor-saving agricultural equipment. The Asia-Pacific region, which accounts for 56% of the global market share, is expected to be the primary growth engine, with North America contributing 17% of the market. John Deere's strategy to expand its presence in high-growth Asian markets while reinforcing its dominance in North America and Europe is likely to keep it at the forefront of the industry.
"As the global agricultural sector embraces digital transformation and sustainability, manufacturers that can integrate technology with regional adaptability will thrive," said Curt Blades, senior vice president of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). For John Deere, maintaining its technological edge and global distribution strength will be key to sustaining its leadership in the years ahead.
