Ritchie Bros. experienced strong buyer demand in its auctions during the "Start 2025 Strong" campaign with more than 17,300 bidders across Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific. An increase of 21% in bidder participation last period compared to the same period last year highlights the increasing global demand for heavy equipment.
With supply shrinking and demand remaining high, machine owners have a prime opportunity to sell smarter this spring and turn unused machines into capital ahead of the busy season.
"With OEM prices rising and limitations in equipment supply and availability, many owners are holding onto their machines longer, tightening the market and keeping price levels high," says Duncan Ainscough, Director of International Sales at Ritchie Bros.. "This competitive landscape presents an opportunity for optimal returns for sellers, making this an ideal time to sell equipment."
"Start 2025 strong" campaign in a nutshell
These achievements are due to Ritchie Bros.' strategic investments in international marketing and platform reach, which continue to attract sellers looking for strong results and buyers looking for valuable opportunities.
"Our results show what happens when sellers and buyers rely on a platform that consistently delivers," he said. says David Fanning, Director of International Marketing at Ritchie Bros.. "We don't just meet demand - we lead the market with scalability, transparency, global reach, reputation and results."
Key Q1 results of Ritchie Bros. Benelux
Ritchie Bros. Benelux held a successful Moerdijk auction on Feb. 26 and 27. This was the first 2025 auction for the Benelux. During the Moerdijk event 2,475 items were sold and buyers from 51 countries worldwide bought one or more lots. Most bidders in this auction came from the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, Spain & France. This data highlights the global reach of Ritchie Bros. and again indicates robust market demand for used heavy equipment.
Top selling items Moerdijk February auction:
Rising bids and tight supply make this spring ideal for equipment sales
Shrinking supply is fueling a surge in bidders, and conditions for sellers remain favorable this spring. Bidder activity increased 21% during the 1e quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with more than 17,000 participants in Ritchie Bros. auctions and online marketplace "Marketplace-E.
Participation in higher value lots - above €10,000 - increased by 14%, while the average number of bidders per property sold increased by 5%. Buyer activity followed a similar trend, with more than 6,000 buyers registered on both previously mentioned platforms.
The top countries for bidder and buyer participation at the beginning of the year were Australia, Spain, France, Italy and Germany.
"Sellers are turning to Ritchie Bros. auctions and Marketplace-E to achieve strong returns." said Duncan Ainscough. "Our growing participation confirms that more companies see us as their preferred trusted sales partner."
Huw Richards, general manager of Walters Group UK, agrees: "Ritchie Bros. presented a customized strategy that perfectly fit our needs using their Term Auctions and Marketplace-E. Their understanding of our needs, combined with their successful track record, made them the best choice.
As the largest marketplace for heavy equipment & vehicles worldwide, Ritchie Bros. offers a wide selection, borderless reach and, where needed, full logistical support, making purchasing equipment easier and more reliable than ever.
Upcoming auctions International
Ritchie Bros. is poised to continue its strong performance in the second quarter, with upcoming auctions planned in the international region: