New tractor deliveries finished 2025 10% higher than the previous year, reflecting improving confidence across the primary sector, according to industry figures.
Data released by the Tractor and Machinery Association of New Zealand shows total deliveries for the year reached 3088 units, driven by stronger dairy performance and improving beef and lamb prices.
December deliveries totalled 329 units, up 5.8% on the same month last year.
TAMA general manager Phil Holden says improving farm incomes are beginning to flow through into machinery purchasing decisions.
“The December year-end result represents a strong 10% lift on last year,” Holden says.
“This reflects the building confidence of TAMA members and their farmer and contractor clients that the continued strong performance of dairy, and the continued strengthening of beef and lamb pricing, is providing a more solid fiscal base that is flowing through the tractor and machinery sector into firm sales and forward order commitments.”
Holden says favourable seasonal conditions have also supported demand.
“That aligned to the strong grass growth being experienced this summer in the key regions, all means it all feels a lot more positive than was the case 12 months ago,” he says.
The strongest monthly performance in December was recorded in the larger tractor segments, with deliveries of 200 horsepower-plus machines finishing the month 26.1% higher than December last year.
For the full year, all three key horsepower segments finished ahead of 2024, with the 100–150HP segment up 17.8%, the 150–200HP segment up 37.1%, and the 200HP-plus segment up 9.7%.
Regional performance was broadly consistent, with North Island deliveries ending the year 9.2% ahead of 2024 and South Island deliveries up 11.4%.
Holden says the results align with expectations expressed in TAMA’s most recent dealer sentiment survey, which showed 75% of respondents anticipating a significant lift in new tractor sales over the following six months.
After two challenging years, Holden says momentum is building heading into 2026, supported by solid forward orders for both tractors and machinery.
He says the recently concluded free trade agreement with India is also expected to support further growth in the primary sector.
“2026 is presenting positively, which is resulting in solid forward tractor and machinery orders, which is welcome news for TAMA members across the country,” Holden says.
