Tractor registrations in first half of 2025 hit lowest level since 1998

The Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) has revealed that 852 machines were registered last month, which marks a 2% decline compared to June 2024. However, it was only around three-quarters of the average number registered in June over the previous five years.

Although the number of agricultural tractors registered in the UK in June remained well below the seasonal average, the year-on-year decline was the smallest since November, the experts said.

During the first half of the year, farmers registered 4,869 machines, 17% fewer than in January to June 2024 and 25% below the average.

AEA noted that this is the lowest level recorded by this point in the year since 1998.

‘We have nothing more to give’

The news coincides with the NFU’s call that further agricultural concessions would cripple an already hard-pressed farming and growing sector which had ‘done its bit’ on trade with the USA.

It comes amidst serious concerns that the US will demand even greater access to the UK agricultural market in return for reducing or removing the additional 10% tariffs applied by President Trump earlier this year.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “It’s understandable that the UK government wants to eliminate the 10% tariffs on all goods going to the US, but we have to ask – what is the cost?

“The US has made it crystal clear that they want greater access to our market for their agricultural produce, and it is not afraid to throw its weight around to get what it wants. But the UK agriculture sector has already done its bit, paying with access to our beef and ethanol markets to reduce tariffs on cars, aluminium and steel. We have nothing more to give.”

READ MORE: UK farming ‘can’t give no more’ in US trade negotiations  

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