OVERVIEW OF APPROACHES TO FORECASTING DEMAND FOR AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT

Abstract

The relevance of the study is due to the strengthening of the role of the agricultural machinery market in shaping the competitiveness of the agricultural sector and ensuring its technological renewal in conditions of economic instability and structural transformations. Agricultural machinery is a key element of the material and technical base of agricultural production and belongs to the category of investment goods, the demand for which is formed under the influence of a complex of external and internal factors. These include the general state of the national economy, the financial capabilities of agricultural enterprises, the level of investment activity, state support for the industry, as well as market fluctuations in the domestic and foreign markets. In such conditions, systematic market analysis and forecasting of demand for agricultural machinery acquires special importance, which allows business entities to adapt to changes in the market environment in a timely manner and reduce the level of economic risks. The purpose of the study is a comprehensive analysis of current trends in the development of the agricultural machinery market in Ukraine, as well as determining the characteristic features of its dynamics in a changing economic situation. The research used methods of economic analysis, comparative comparison, generalization of statistical indicators, as well as elements of trend analysis, which made it possible to assess the general state of the market, identify patterns of its development and determine key factors influencing the formation of demand. According to the results of the study, it was found that the agricultural machinery market is characterized by an increased level of instability and cyclicality, which is manifested in uneven demand, changes in the market structure and fluctuations in the volume of sales of technical equipment. It was found that investment activity in the field of updating the machine and tractor fleet largely depends on the financial condition of agricultural producers and the general macroeconomic situation. At the same time, there is an increase in requirements for the technical and economic characteristics of agricultural machinery, which leads to a transformation of the supply structure and increased competition in the market. The practical value of the study lies in the possibility of using the results obtained by manufacturing enterprises, distributors, and trading companies to improve the market monitoring system, increase the accuracy of demand forecasting, substantiate strategic management decisions, optimize production and sales processes, and form adaptive business strategies aimed at increasing operational efficiency and resilience to market fluctuations.