No relief for tractor market as slump continues

Australian tractor sales extended their difficult run in June 2026, with around 1100 units sold during the month — 15 per cent below the same period last year, the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia (TMA) reported.

The year-to-date figure has now fallen to 10.7 per cent behind 2025 levels, and with the halfway point of the year now passed, the TMA has flagged the very real prospect of total annual sales falling below 9000 units — a level not seen in fifteen years.

Unlike previous years where end-of-financial-year spending provided a seasonal lift, June offered no such relief, with all states and all reporting categories recording declines for the month.

Every horsepower segment was in the red in June, with larger tractors taking a particularly sharp hit:

The 200hp-plus segment was the worst performer for the month, dropping 25 per cent, while the 100–200hp category also fell sharply by 18.1 per cent.

The mid-range 40–100hp segment held up best relatively, though still recorded a 7 per cent decline.

For the first time in recent months, no state managed to record a monthly gain, with declines recorded across the board:

The NT recorded the steepest monthly fall at -36.4 per cent, though it remains the only state in positive territory year-to-date at +18.9 per cent.

NSW continues to be the weakest major market on a year-to-date basis at -17.2 per cent, with QLD and WA also carrying significant deficits.

Farmer sentiment continues to struggle under the weight of supply chain disruptions stemming from the conflict in Iran, with no meaningful easing in sight.

The absence of the usual EOFY spending spike is a telling indicator of just how cautious buyers have become, and with conditions unlikely to shift materially in the near term, the second half of the year faces a similarly difficult outlook.

Baler sales were steady in June, down just 3 per cent for the month but still sitting 21 per cent ahead year-to-date — maintaining their position as one of the few consistent performers in the market.

Out-front mower sales were a bright spot, rising 12 per cent for the month. Self-propelled sprayer sales continued their poor run, falling 46 per cent compared to June last year.

Combine Harvesters saw 43 units sold in June, bringing the year-to-date figure to more than 50 per cent below the same point last year.