December sales of tractors onto the South African market, excluding exports, totalled 261 units. This was roughly 7% lower than the 279 units sold in December last year. For the 2007 calendar year sales were also about 7% lower than they were in 2006.
Combine harvester sales for the month were sharply down on last year and almost 9% down for the 2007 calendar year. Baler sales for December were good, but overall sales for 2007 were approximately 6% down on last year. Overall, agricultural machinery sales in 2007 were somewhat disappointing.
The effects of the National Credit Act and interest rates, which increased four times during the year, clearly had an adverse effect on the market. However, with summer crop prospects looking good and crop prices holding up well, it’s likely that sales for at least the first half of 2008 will be encouraging. – Staff reporter
