Tractor sales dip 2.5% in 2014 to 6,464 units - Saama

Tractor sales fell by 2.5% in 2014 to 6‚464 units‚ according to the South African Agricultural Machinery Association (Saama).

Although SA had the largest maize harvest in the 2013-14 season since 1981‚ the industry nevertheless expects 2015 sales to decline by 5% to 10%.

At the start of 2014 the industry forecast a 10% drop on 2013‚ so the 2014 result was better than expected.

Saama said that agricultural commodity prices are still quite stable‚ but the effect of low crude oil prices on international biofuel production may have an adverse effect on grain prices later in the year.