August tractor sales tumble 6 percent
September 4, 2009
August tractor sales of 490 units were down 6 percent from 520 units sold in the same period last year, the South African Agricultural Machinery Association (SAAMA) said on Friday.
On a year-to-date basis tractor sales were down 21 percent from the same period last year, SAAMA said.
August combine harvester sales numbering 13, were 35 percent down on sales in August last year, while on a year-to-date basis combine harvester sales were down 9 percent, with 231 units sold to date, as opposed to 255 in the corresponding period.
The three factors mentioned as affecting sales negatively in past months were still prevalent, said SAAMA chair, Leon Pretorius.
"Bank finance is still tight, crop prices have declined and potential purchasers are still very cautious".
"The continued strong rand has, however, led to a buyers' market with some companies having reduced equipment prices already."
Others are offering good discounts on equipment," Pretorius said, adding that it had the effect of stimulating sales in the short term.
"Going forward, farmers will be looking at how weather patterns develop in regard to the forthcoming summer planting season."
"Overall, however, expectations are that 2009 sales will be significantly down on the exceptional sales of last year," SAAMA concluded. I-Net Bridge
|
|
