SAAMA Press release – February 2025

February 2025: TRACTOR and COMBINE HARVESTER SALES

Retail sales of agricultural equipment during February 2025 were as follows:

 

Month
Percentage change
Year-to-date
Percentage change
February
                 %
February
                %
 2025        2024
  2025      2024
Tractors
 638             527
     21.10%
 1093         885
       23.5
Combine Harvesters
  19                    18
     5.60%
     24            26
     -7.7

February tractor sales of 638 units were approximately 21% more than the 527 units sold in February last year. Year-to-date tractor sales are now approximatley 23% up on last year.   Nineteen combine harvesters were sold in February, one more than the 18 units sold in February last year. On a year-to-date basis, combine harvester sales are now almost 8% down on last year.

Although the beginning of the summer-cropping season was challenging in terms of suitable planting rains at the beginning of the season, rainfall became more general and widespread from mid-December.   This is reflected in the first production forecast for summer crops for the 2025 season released by the Crop Estimates Committee in late February.   Estimates of all crops, except yellow maize, are significantly up on those of the previous season.   Industry sentiment is now more positive and this is reflected in the current levels of improved tractor sales.

Current predictions are that tractor sales will be similar, or marginally less, than the 6 463 units sold last year.   Combine harvester sales of between 180 and 190 units are expected for 2025.

Willie Human
Chairman: South African Agricultural Machinery Association

Contact: Willie Human (083) 954-7232 or Dr. Jim Rankin (011) 453-7249