February 2012 tractor sales up 26.4%: Saama
Tractor sales rose 26.4% to 800 units in February 2012, compared with 633 units sold in the comparative period of 2011, the South African Agricultural Machinery Association (Saama) data showed on Tuesday.
On a year-to-date basis, tractor sales were up 49.9% on sales in the first two months of last year.
On a year-to-date basis, combine harvester sales, however, dropped 10.8% to 33 units, compared with 37 units previously.
Combine harvester sales were down 25.9% to 20 units in February, compared with 27 units recorded in the previous comparable period.
The association said the fundamentals in the market still remained positive. "Recent deliveries on government tenders have given the market a boost. The market is still very competitive. Summer crops in most areas are looking good, but some areas have been adversely affected by a lack of rain at a critical period in the development of the crop.
"Crop prices are still holding up well, with stock levels being finely balanced between supply and demand. This will have a bearing on crop prices as local and international grain stocks are quite low," Saama said.
Industry predictions for tractor sales for the 2012 calendar year are currently between 6,700 and 7,200 units, almost 10% down on 2011 sales.
On a year-to-date basis, combine harvester sales, however, dropped 10.8% to 33 units, compared with 37 units previously.
Combine harvester sales were down 25.9% to 20 units in February, compared with 27 units recorded in the previous comparable period.
The association said the fundamentals in the market still remained positive. "Recent deliveries on government tenders have given the market a boost. The market is still very competitive. Summer crops in most areas are looking good, but some areas have been adversely affected by a lack of rain at a critical period in the development of the crop.
"Crop prices are still holding up well, with stock levels being finely balanced between supply and demand. This will have a bearing on crop prices as local and international grain stocks are quite low," Saama said.
Industry predictions for tractor sales for the 2012 calendar year are currently between 6,700 and 7,200 units, almost 10% down on 2011 sales.
Addtime:Friday, 16 March 2012 10:54 print