Italian tractor exports and production fall

Italian exports of agricultural machinery fell by 15,1% in 2024, reflecting weak global demand and a shrinking domestic market. The decline directly impacted production, which fell by 14,5% compared to the previous year. The total value produced in the country reached €14 billion.

During the FederUnacoma annual assembly held in Bologna, President Mariateresa Maschio detailed the scenario. Only the gardening and green space care machinery sector showed growth, of 0,6%, with a value of €905 million.

Tractor production suffers decline

Tractor manufacturing fell 29% to €1,9 billion. Incomplete tractors fell 17% to €1,2 billion. Agricultural machinery and equipment fell 9% to €6,8 billion. Components fell 17,5% to €3,3 billion.

In the domestic market, tractor sales remain low. In 2024, only 15.500 units were registered, one of the worst results in history. Between January and May 2025, 6.729 vehicles were sold, a similar number to the same period in 2024. However, April and May showed growth of 9%, which could signal a possible recovery.

The number of transporters (tractors with loading platforms) increased by 42,1%, with 334 units sold. Telescopic handlers grew by 0,5%, with 409 units. Trailers fell by 2,7%, with 3.181 units. Harvesters saw a sharp drop of 40%, although they only accounted for 60 vehicles in the period.

Global market shows retraction

The global scenario is no different. In 2024, the number of tractors registered worldwide fell by 8%, totaling 2,03 million. Since 2021, the market has lost around 450 thousand units. The value of sales fell by 10%, to US$ 52 billion.

The main markets recorded a decline. In the United States, sales fell 14% (216 units). In China, the decline was 12% (320 machines). In Turkey, 18% (63). Western Europe fell 8%, with 144 tractors. France fell 6% (34 units) and Germany, 3% (29). India held up better, with a drop of only 2%, maintaining more than 900 registrations for the fourth year in a row.

Conflicts and instability impact trade

FederUnacoma’s president cited low agricultural profitability, weak global growth and geopolitical tensions as the main causes of the downturn. The war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East have exacerbated price volatility and affected supply chains.

In 2024, the global value of tractor trade fell by 21,7% to $23,8 billion. That of other agricultural machinery fell by 8% to $62 billion. Italian exports followed suit, falling by 15,1% to €6,8 billion. The trade balance, although positive at €4,9 billion, worsened.

In the first three months of 2025, exports to the US fell by 36,8%, totaling €147 million. As a result, France became the main destination for Italian machinery.

FederUnacoma celebrates 80 years

Founded in 1945, FederUnacoma currently has 360 member companies. The organization operates in 80 countries with missions and fairs. It manages 65 European and international technical groups. It maintains 18 websites and 11 social networks. It has promoted 1.300 events in the last decade and trained more than 4.500 professionals.

The federation organizes the EIMA and Agrilevante fairs, which have grown significantly in attendance in recent years. In 2024, EIMA welcomed 347 visitors. Agrilevante attracted 95 people in 2023.

The institution's activities include defending the sector since the 1950s, including mechanization plans and active participation in European agricultural policies. In 2023, the entity participated in events such as the Doha Agricultural Exhibition and the G7 Agriculture in Syracuse. In 2025, it will be present at the Osaka Expo.

According to director Simona Rapastella, the federation seeks to promote mechanization as a key element of innovation in the agro-industrial sector. The growing public curiosity about automated equipment shows that the sector has also gained new ground in public opinion.