Lithuania as a Tractor Market
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WHILST the market for tractors in Lithuania is at present small, several factors seem to indicate that the country has possibilities and should develop into a fairly good market for both tractors and agricultural implements. The dominating position of agriculture in Lithuania favourably affects the outlook, because over 82 per cent, of the' population of 2,300,000 are engaged in agricultural pursuits. The average farm in Lithuania is reported to be ;very small and the purchasing power of the farmer is low. About 54) per cent, of the farms are from 24 acres to 48 acres in size, and 31 per cent, are less than 24 aeres in area. The small farmers, however; are rapidly improving their economic position, although it will be many years before they offer a market for agricultural machinery comparable with that
in many of the other European countries.
All the tractors in use at present have been imported completelyassembled. Two American tractor 'manufacturers and one Canadian concern at present do most of the tractor business, it being estimated that the three companies sell between 90 per cent. and 95 per cent of all the tractors purchased in Lithuania. Two German makes are represented, the Benz and the Lan, hut they are regarded as being too expensive for extensive sale in this market.
Wheel-type tractors appear to be the most popular, the 12 h.p. to 20 h.p. pattern, which retails at between £140 and £200, practically dominating the market.
In Lithuania it is extremely difficult to conduct business on a cash basis. Tractor dealers receive from 60 days' to 90 days' credit from foreign manufacturers, and few retail sales of agricultural implements are made to farmers for cash. Purchasers of tractors receive credit of six mcfnths and longer.