The ag machinery industry in France is entering its third consecutive year of contraction. Figures from the 2026 ecnomic report of ag machinery association AXEMA, indicate that the market volume declined 9% in 2025 and recovery is only expected in 2027. Export remains the strongest driver for the industry.
The agricultural world is operating in a context of constant crisis, caught between health crises, climate hazards, geopolitical tensions and pressure on energy costs, according to AXEMA. In this climate of uncertainty, farms remain vulnerable, which directly impacts their investment capacity and the entire agricultural machinery sector.
As a result, the French ag machinery market contracted by 9% in 2025, bringing the cumulative decline to 22% since 2023.
2025 was a particularly difficult year for agricultural machinery manufacturers, especially for companies focused on arable farming and viticulture. Some segments have reached historically low levels, particularly grape harvesters, combine harvesters and standard tractors. Conversely, the landscaping market has shown resilience (+4%), supported by favorable weather conditions and the resilience of the consumer segment. Livestock equipment is also holding up better, driven by investment in dairy farms.
Ag machinery production in France reached €7.1 billion in 2025, with an export rate of 57%. Whilst domestic sales are set to fall by 11% to €3.03 billion, exports are set to rise by 4% to €4.05 billion.
The main areas of export growth are: Africa (+46%), Eastern Europe (+17%) and Western Europe (+11%). Conversely, North America has seen a sharp decline of 24% due to US tariffs, and the Asia-Pacific region has fallen by 30%. Globally, China has become the world’s second-largest exporter of agricultural machinery, ahead of the United States.
Recovery expected in 2027
Early 2026 data do not suggest an immediate recovery. Order intake fell by 9% in the first quarter of 2026 before a slight rebound of 5% in April. There are numerous adverse factors: persistent pressure on farm incomes, rising interest rates, shrinking purchasing power and geopolitical uncertainties linked to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and its consequences. AXEMA anticipates that the French market will decline further to reach around €7.15 billion in 2026, before an expected rebound in 2027. Two segments, however, show more favorable prospects: livestock equipment and components.
“We anticipate a rebound in 2027 provided that agricultural incomes stabilize and regulatory visibility improves. Our sector has demonstrated its resilience in the past. We will demonstrate it once again,” said Florent Guilleman, Chair of the Economic Committee of AXEMA and Managing Director of Amazone France.
Electrification driver of transformation
In the face of this crisis, AXEMA identifies the electrification of agricultural machinery as a driver of competitiveness and transition. According to Annie Genevard, Minister for Agriculture, Agri-Food and Food Sovereignty, “Electrification is the way forward for production equipment such as greenhouses, straddle tractors and tractors. It will be a factor in competitiveness, resilience and improvement in the face of climate and environmental challenges.”
Delphine Guey, Managing Director of AXEMA, also emphasizes that “As part of the ‘French Electrification Team’, we were able to share a briefing with the President of the Republic’s office detailing the current situation, the potential for deployment and the levers to support and accelerate the electrification of the agricultural machinery fleet and greenhouses. Agricultural equipment manufacturers are innovating, solutions exist, and AXEMA will continue to drive this momentum with conviction: electrification will be built collectively, with manufacturers, distributors, farmers, contractors and local authorities.”
