Agricultural Machinery Sales experienced a big drop in sales in May following a modest recovery in April.
South Africa's agricultural machinery market suffered a significant setback in May, with tractor and combine harvester sales declining sharply as farmers grappled with rising input costs, weather uncertainty and concerns about the upcoming production season.
Data released by the South African Agricultural Machinery Association (SAAMA) showed that tractor sales fell by nearly 15% year-on-year in May, signalling what industry leaders believe could be the beginning of a broader slowdown in agricultural equipment purchases.
SAAMA chairperson Willie Human said 542 tractors were sold in May, compared with 635 units in the same month last year.
“On a year-to-date basis, tractor sales are now 1% down on last year. Twenty-seven combine harvesters were sold in May, 14 less than the 41 units sold in May last year,” he said.
