SUBSTANTIAL DOWNTURN IN TRACTOR SALES CONTINUES

Figures released by the AEA show that the substantial downturn in UK agricultural tractor registrations (over 50hp) seen in late 2019 continued into the opening month of 2020.

The monthly total of 477 machines, was 31% lower than in January 2019, making it the slowest start to the year since 2001.

Stephen Howarth, agricultural economist at the AEA said, "Total registrations over the last year were the lowest for any 12-month period since December 2016 - November 2017. The wet autumn is likely to have contributed to a reduction in orders, which would be reflected in the latest figures.

"It remains to be seen whether the improvement in the weather more recently and the arrival of BPS cheques in December will make any difference to the trend."