The general business climate index for the agricultural machinery industry in Europe has solidified its first significant upward trend since the sharp declines in the course of the Russian war against Ukraine. In December, the index increased from 23 to 30 points (on a scale of -100 to +100).
Improvements have been recorded across all segments. In addition, the expectation for the coming order intake, an indicator which does not feed into the general Business Climate Index and which had been predominantly negative in recent months, has now also improved.
Supply constraints appear to have become more acute again “only” in the production of tractors and harvesting equipment, while manufacturers in many other segments of the industry seem increasingly able to realize their orders.
The representatives of the European industry look forward with confidence to the coming year. For the full year of 2023, the survey participants expect for their company on average an increase in turnover of +5%. According to the survey, the expected lost turnover from Eastern Europe will be more than counterbalanced by further growth in the rest of the world, especially in Oceania and South America as well as in North America, Central and Western Europe.
