SAAMA Press release – April 2024
Month – May |
Percentage change |
Year-to-date |
Percentage change |
|||
2024 |
2023 |
% |
2024 |
2023 |
% |
|
Tractors |
500 |
543 |
-7.9% |
1 883 |
2 470 |
-23.8% |
Combine Harvesters |
26 |
104 |
-75.0% |
78 |
198 |
-60.6% |
April tractor sales of 500 units were approximately 8% less than the 543 units sold in April last year. Year-to-date tractor sales are now almost 24% down on last year. Twenty-six combine harvesters were sold in April, 78 less than the 108 units sold in April last year. On a year-to-date basis, combine harvester sales are now almost 61% down on last year.
While farmers are showing caution in their buying decisions as they harvest their summer crops, the overall mood of the industry is positive. With El Niño having expressed itself during the latter part of the season, summer crop yields have been variable, particularly in the west of the country and where crops were planted late. The situation with winter crops in the western Cape is less positive as there has been very little rain there up until now.
In regard to agricultural machinery sales, these are bound to fall from the highs, particularly of combine harvester sales, of recent years. There is no doubt that the market will continue to be very competitive. Industry expectations are that for the 2024 calendar year tractor sales will be between 15 and 20% % down on last year.
Tallie Giessing
Chairman: South African Agricultural Machinery Association
Contact: Tallie Giessing (082) 874-0449 or Dr. Jim Rankin (011) 453-7249