Used tractor imports to the end of November are trending at 34.5% ahead of the same period in 2020 while new tractor sales are up 24%, according to the latest figures from the Farm Tractor & Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA).

Registrations of used imported tractors into Ireland are sitting at 3,528 units up to the end of November this year, up 34.5% on the 2,623 units in the same period last year. The January (508 units), February (460 units) and March (403 units) import numbers for 2021 were the highest individual monthly import figures on record.

Some 40 new tractors were registered in November, with FTMTA figures showing that this brings the 11-month total for 2021 to 2,345.

New tractor registrations in November were up 5% on the same month last year, while registrations for the year to date are running 24% higher than the same period last year. Registrations are up 461 units from the 1,884 units registered in the same period last year.

Highest since 2008

This year’s new tractor registrations to date (2,345 tractors) are the highest since 2008, when 4,531 new tractors were sold. Meanwhile, this year’s used tractor import figures to date are the highest on record (as far back as 2015). The year-to-date figures are also higher than the entire yearly import stats for 2015 to 2020.

Northern Ireland up 38%

Figures from the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) show that there were 18 new tractors registered in Northern Ireland in November, bringing the year-to-date total to 516. This is 141 extra tractors, or a 38% increase on the same period in 2020.

AEA figures show that 543 machines were registered in the UK in November, 16% fewer than in the same month last year and 14% below the average for the time of year. Despite this, registrations in the UK are standing at 11,134 units, a 16% increase on last year.