Hansotia concluded, "Global agricultural markets face both challenges and opportunities. U.S. net cash farm income remains strong for livestockfocused farms, while crop-focused farms are experiencing declines due to fluctuating prices for corn, soybeans, and wheat and relatively elevated input costs. Brazil's record soybean production and delayed corn planting highlight both growth potential and risks. Geopolitical instability, coupled with weather-related disruptions in major producing regions like Russia and Ukraine, continue to impact global wheat supplies, adding uncertainty to the market. Demand for new equipment has softened further in most global markets, particularly as lower farm income persists for crop producers. We continue to expect increased adoption of precision technology, but challenging farm economics are resulting in weak global industry demand across most equipment categories."
North American industry retail tractor sales decreased 13% during 2024 compared to the previous year. Sales declines were relatively consistent across the horsepower categories with higher horsepower categories declining more in recent months. Combine unit sales were down 22% in 2024 compared to 2023. Lower projected farm income and a refreshed fleet is expected to pressure industry demand in 2025, resulting in weaker North American industry sales compared to 2024, particularly in larger equipment.
Brazil industry retail tractor sales decreased 4% during 2024 compared to the previous year. Farm acreage in Brazil increased only modestly in 2024 after five years of more significant growth. Lower commodity prices, rising farmer debt, and reduced demand from China created caution among Brazilian farmers. Industry demand in Brazil is expected to remain flat in 2025, due to mixed market dynamics.
In Western Europe, industry retail tractor sales decreased 6% during 2024 compared to the previous year with more significant declines in Scandinavia, the United Kingdom and Italy. Industry demand is expected to remain soft in 2025 as lower income levels pressure demand from arable farmers, while healthy demand from dairy and livestock producers is expected to mitigate some of the decline.