The worldwide market for professional agricultural machinery has shrunk by around 20% during 2015. Despite this significant downturn in the overall market, Claas saw its turnover increase by 0.4% to a new all-time high of €3.838 billion (2014 €3.823 billion), with earnings before tax of €158 million (2014 €155 million). Eastern Europe is seeing declines, but Claas has been able to further strengthen its position in the rest of Europe. Sales in North and South America are developing positively, and in Asia, the company has achieved further growth in India, while the market for maize pickers has stabilised in China. Falling commodity prices and relatively new machinery fleets in many areas are having a noticeably negative impact on customers’ purchasing tendencies. “We are delighted that we have been able to overcome the current weakness in the market thanks to our international structure and wide product range,” said speaker Lothar Kriszun of the Claas executive board. “Our double-digit sales growth outside Europe was a positive factor in our results.” Claas forecasts a further decline in the global market for new machines during 2016, but expects to maintain its sales and earnings at the current level.