Tractor sales down
Machinery market to highest point since 2012
European machine manufacturers expect a revival in sales of tractors and machines for 2017. The mood barometer, which the trade association Cema compiles every month, thus reaches the highest level since May 2012. However, the tractor market has to give up again this year.
Manufacturers are cautious, but positive. This is reported by the Cema Business Barometer. Cema is the trade association for European tractor and machine manufacturers. The first quarter started with tractor sales that are 1,3 percent below the level of 2016. The market increased in Spain and the United Kingdom in particular, while the market in France fell by a quarter. In the Netherlands, a decrease of 2,3 percent is visible. Given the importance of France, on the European stage, this totally pulls the market down.
25
percent
France and Germany down
The 2 largest European markets for tractors and machines: France and Germany, both registered a minus in 2016. In France, sales were on average 8 percent less. This trend is again visible in the first quarter of 2017. Cema also expects a reduction in sales numbers for the rest of the year. Germany bought 5 percent fewer tractors and machines in 2016. A small plus is expected for this year.
Impact of Brexit
Brexit also has an effect on the UK market. A weaker pound improves the financial position of the farmer on the island, but imported machines also become more expensive. Similar sales are expected for 2017 compared to 2016, which were 2 percent lower. The tractor market is expected to recover from its lowest level in 15 years.
Benelux market
For the Netherlands, Cema also expects fewer sales of tractors and sprayers. Haymaking machines, balers and combines are expected to be sold slightly more. Overall, the market remains stable. The same applies to our southern neighbours. Last year, 3 percent fewer machines were sold in Belgium. In particular, fewer tractors were sold. It is estimated that sales in 2017 will be approximately 10 percent lower than last year.
Niels van der Boom
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