New tractor registrations in November were up by more than a third on the same month a year ago, Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) figures show.

According to AEA economist Stephen Howarth, 728 machines were registered in November. This is 34% above the figure for November 2021 and the second monthly increase in a row, Mr Howarth said.

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While the hike in numbers appears high, registrations were unusually low this time last year so the latest increase is from a relatively low base, he said.

A year ago, registrations were held back by supply chain disruption for component parts due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Modern tractors are complex machines and any shortfall in just one of the components was causing severe delays a year ago.

“We are now seeing the supply chain returning to a more normal footing and this has helped reduce lead times and push up registrations this autumn,” Mr Howarth said.

However, despite the difference in market conditions, he pointed out that the November figure was 12% higher than the five-year average. It was also the highest for the time of year since 2017.

Year-to-date figure

The year-to-date total at 10,951 units remained 1.6% down on the same 11 months in 2021 but was 4% above the five-year average, Mr Howarth said.

The figures reflect a strong demand for new tractors throughout the past five-year period that has only been influenced by supply chain disruption, he added. 

By the time the year-end is reached Mr Howarth predicted that sales would be close to the normal average of about 12,000 units.