Amsterdam, 28 mei 2026 – The supply of agricultural machinery on the second-hand market increased significantly in 2025. In the Netherlands and Belgium, 29 percent more agricultural machines were auctioned via Troostwijk Auctions than in the previous year. This is shown by the Troostwijk Auctions Index, an analysis of auction data from 2025 compared with 2024. The index therefore serves as a barometer for a broader market development: in a market where investments are being assessed more critically and machines remain in stock for longer, reach, timing and international demand are becoming increasingly important.
In the Netherlands and Belgium, the number of auctioned agricultural machines rose by 29 percent, with growth of 31 percent in the Netherlands and 20 percent in Belgium. The increase is most clearly visible in tractors: the number of auctioned units rose by 45 percent, with strong growth in four-wheel-drive models (+51%) and a notable increase in front loaders (+214%). The figures show that more supply is moving towards the second-hand market within the heavier segment of agricultural equipment.
This development is gaining additional relevance in 2026 due to economic uncertainty, changing trade flows and possible import and export restrictions. As a result, investment and sales decisions around agricultural equipment are being weighed more carefully, and stock may remain unsold for longer.
The combination of increased supply and slower turnover is putting pressure particularly on the traditional dealer market. “We see that used machines remain in stock for longer when they are initially offered mainly within a company’s own network or regional trading circuit,” says Jan Blokhuis, Agri account manager at Troostwijk Auctions. “Where second-hand machines at traders and dealers often used to find a new owner within three months, the overall lead time in the market is now moving more towards six months. This leads to rising stock levels and longer financing periods, particularly among mechanisation companies, dealers and traders working with large, pre-financed inventories.”
“For many companies, this quickly adds up to an average of 1.5 to 2 million euros in used machines,” says Blokhuis. “If that stock remains unsold for twice as long, the capital is also tied up for longer. That has a direct impact on liquidity. In this type of market, international reach becomes more important: machines need to become visible to buyers outside their own region or national borders at an earlier stage.”
Despite pressure on the local market, international demand for used agricultural machinery remains an important outlet. Around 61 percent of auctioned machines remain in the Netherlands. As expected, part of the export goes to nearby markets such as Belgium, Germany and France. The more striking movement is towards Eastern Europe, where Poland and Romania in particular are developing into important sales markets for used machines.
“Different countries have different price levels, usage requirements and expectations,” says Blokhuis. “Machines that are more difficult to sell here often still find a buyer in Eastern Europe.” For sellers, this international demand can make the difference between keeping stock for longer or selling it on more quickly.
The auction market acts as an early indicator of developments in the agricultural sector. “What we see in the auction market reflects what is happening more broadly in the sector. When uncertainty increases, you immediately see this reflected in supply, the type of sales and the choices companies make around investments and stock,” concludes Blokhuis.
Caroline Bekkering, director of trade association Fedecom, recognises the current market dynamics, but also sees perspective:
“If government policy becomes more stable and predictable, companies will be better able to plan and finance investments again, for example in sustainability, modernisation and digitalisation. This will visibly increase investment willingness in the sector and provide confidence for the medium term.”
For the first half of 2026, Troostwijk Auctions expects continued pressure on investments and stock positions in the agricultural sector. In a period of economic uncertainty, changing trade flows and possible import and export restrictions, companies are paying closer attention to their liquidity.
RaboResearch also points to a more challenging outlook for agriculture and horticulture in its sector forecasts: after growth in 2025, the bank expects the sector’s added value to contract by 3.2 percent in 2026. This broader market context may lead to investment decisions being postponed and machines remaining in stock for longer. At the same time, the auction data shows that international demand can still make a difference in the turnover of used machines.
About Troostwijk Auctions
Troostwijk Auctions is part of TBAuctions, Europe’s leading industrial auction group with a multi-brand portfolio of digital B2B auction platforms. With a history spanning 95 years, the company has grown from a traditional auction house into a European market leader in online auctions of industrial assets.
Troostwijk Auctions believes that everything has value. Through its digital auction platform, local supply is connected to global demand. In this way, machines, equipment and other industrial goods are given a second life and the lifespan of assets is extended. By doing so, the company actively contributes to a more circular economy.
More than 1 million lots are auctioned annually. The platform receives around 4 million visits per month. With local sector specialists across Europe and buyers in more than 175 countries, Troostwijk Auctions plays an important role in the efficient, transparent and sustainable trading of used industrial goods.
