Ritchie Bros. has announced a 21% year-on-year surge in bidder activity during the early months of 2025, marking a significant rebound in used equipment demand across key global markets. The results come as part of the company’s “Start 2025 Strong” campaign, which attracted more than 17,300 bidders and over 6,400 buyers for upwards of 20,000 assets — both setting five-year records across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.
The surge in activity reflects a tightening equipment supply environment as OEM prices rise and machinery availability becomes increasingly constrained. According to Duncan Ainscough, Head of International Sales at Ritchie Bros., this has led many asset owners to hold onto their fleets longer, further fuelling auction competition and supporting stronger returns for sellers.
“With OEM prices rising and supply constraints limiting availability, many owners are holding onto their assets longer, tightening the market and sustaining high price levels,” said Ainscough. “This competitive bidding presents an opportunity for optimal returns for sellers, making this an ideal moment to sell.”
The standout results follow strategic investments by Ritchie Bros. in international marketing and platform expansion, drawing increased traffic to both its live auctions and online Marketplace-E platform.
Ritchie Bros. Dubai Kicks Off 2025 with Strong Results
In the UAE, the company’s Dubai auction held on 24-25 February, 2025 achieved notable success, selling more than 1,400 lots to buyers from 82 countries. The highest number of participants came from the UAE, USA, Canada, the UK, and the Netherlands—underlining Dubai’s continued importance as a regional sales hub for industrial equipment.
Key Stats from the “Start 2025 Strong” Campaign:
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Assets Sold: Over 20,000, marking a 17% year-on-year increase
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Bidder Growth: 21% increase in participants vs. 2024
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Top Buyer Countries: Australia, Italy, Spain, Germany, France
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Most Popular Categories: Hydraulic Excavators, MFWD Tractors, Telescopic Forklifts, Wheel Loaders, Articulated Dump Trucks
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High-Value Lot Engagement: Participation in lots over £10,000 up 14%
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Average Bidders Per Item: Up by 5%
David Fanning, Director of International Marketing at Ritchie Bros., attributed the momentum to the company’s scale and reliability. “We’re not just meeting demand—we’re leading the market with scale, transparency, global reach, reputation and results.”
That transparency remains a key draw for buyers, with every item sold to the highest bidder, and no hidden re-lists, seller buy-backs or reserve pricing. These principles continue to set Ritchie Bros. apart as a trusted partner for both buyers and sellers of used machinery.
Huw Richards, General Manager at Walters Group UK, shared his company’s experience: “Ritchie Bros. presented a bespoke strategy that perfectly aligned with our needs. Their understanding of our requirements, combined with their successful track record, made them the ideal choice.”
Upcoming Auctions Signal Continued Growth
Ritchie Bros. is now preparing for a packed Q2 auction calendar, with major events scheduled in the Netherlands, UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, and the UAE. The next Dubai auction is set for 17–18 June, while ongoing 24/7 opportunities continue via Marketplace-E.
As demand shows no sign of slowing and the spring selling season reaches its peak, Ritchie Bros. is positioning itself as the marketplace of choice for those looking to capitalise on high asset values and increased buyer competition.
