Agricultural machinery faces challenges and seeks new markets

The agricultural machinery sector faces a challenging scenario in 2025, marked by economic instability and changes in global trade strategies. These topics were discussed at the FederUnacoma Think Tank, an event held at Tenuta Castelbuono in Bevagna, Perugia, Italy, which brought together experts to analyze the impacts of the economic and geopolitical context on the agricultural machinery industry.

FederUnacoma CEO Simona Rapastella stressed that companies are not only affected by global events, but must also develop strategies to adapt. “Companies do not passively experience economic events, but rather interpret them and deal with them with their own weapons,” she said.

Global scenario and sector challenges

The event highlighted that both the domestic and foreign markets, especially in Europe and North America, are facing contraction due to rising production and logistics costs and economic uncertainty. In addition, new geopolitical dynamics are creating challenges for the business strategies of companies in the sector.

FederUnacoma President Mariateresa Maschio highlighted the importance of technological innovation to overcome difficulties. “Manufacturers have created increasingly advanced machines capable of streamlining agricultural processes, reducing inputs and improving sustainability. Today we face even more complex challenges, because agriculture has advanced technological needs that require significant investments in a scenario of strong instability,” she explained.

One of the factors that is increasing this instability is the US government’s proposal to impose higher tariffs on imported products. If these measures are implemented, Italian exports of agricultural machinery could be affected. Journalist Federico Fubini, deputy editor of Corriere della Sera, warned that US trade policy could force Italian companies to diversify their exports and seek new markets to offset potential losses.

Trends and growth opportunities

The growth in demand in Asia was one of the highlights of the event. According to Stefano Galli of NielsenIQ, by 2032 the Asian continent will account for half of global private spending. This growth is due to the increase in population and the rise of the middle class, which seeks higher quality products. In addition, the research showed that environmental and economic sustainability have also influenced consumer choices.

In the afternoon, the Think Tank held round tables on essential topics for the competitiveness of companies in the sector, such as investments in research, generational renewal in business management and marketing strategies for the agricultural machinery sector.

Given this scenario, market diversification and investment in innovation emerge as strategic paths for the agricultural machinery sector to continue advancing, even in the face of uncertainties in the global market.