National tractor sales remained steady in the month of March, the Tractor and Machinery Association says, with two states and one size category experiencing increases
Activity in the tractor sales market was reasonably steady during March, with around 1,000 tractors sold across the nation.
This was 3 per cent down on the March 2024 sales number and puts the year-to-date figure at around 7 per cent behind the same time last year.
It comes in the face of some challenging conditions in the market with some parts of the nation in drought and other parts experiencing heavy rain.
Underlying order inquiry rates remain solid which gives rise to a level of optimism that the market will continue to improve, however with the general uncertainty surrounding the current federal election cycle combined with the impact of tariffs being imposed in the United States means one cannot be certain that activity will not slip back here in Australia.
The industry has yet to fully digest the likely impact the tariffs will have on tractor sales given that Australian government has decided not to impose reciprocal tariffs on the US, however the underlying cost of product due to tariffs being imposed on goods being imported to America will likely have an impact on the sale price of machines being sent here.
The industry cannot be overly optimistic for the future and remains in a state of “wait and see”.
Looking around the nation, Queensland experienced a drop of 4.2 per cent in the month to be 3.4 per cent behind for the year to date.
New South Wales enjoyed its first rise in some time – up by 5 per cent for the month – but remains 6 per cent behind on a year-to-date basis.
Victorian sales struggled due to dry conditions in parts of the state, and its March figures were down 9 per cent which meant the state remains at 12 per cent below the same time last year.
Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory are all doing it tough however Western Australia enjoyed a solid nation-leading boost, up by 14 per cent for the month to remain only 3 per cent behind on the year to date.
Sales of all machinery categories were down for the month, except for the 100hp to 200hp (75-150 kw) range.
This was up 3.6 per cent compared to March 2024, but remains 6 per cent behind for the year to date.
The under 40hp (under 30kw) range took a hit, being down 8 per cent, however it has been in solid territory for the first few months of this year and remains 9 per cent ahead overall.
The 40hp to 100hp (30-75kw) range was down 1 per cent and remains 5 per cent down for the year to date, while the large 200hp plus (150kw plus) range continues to struggle.
That category was down another 8 per cent this month to be 28 per cent behind for the year so far.
Combine harvester sales enjoyed a small bounce in March off the back of some sharp incentives from manufacturers, however the outlook for the full year remains one of somewhat dampened expectations given the very strong past couple of years experienced in this market segment.
Baler sales continue to struggle, down another 14 per cent for the month to be 32 per cent behind year-to-date, while the sale of out-front mowers has dried up considerably.
These are down 40 per cent on the same time last year in what is proving to be a very tough market.
As has been previously mentioned, the TMA Annual Conference is scheduled to be held in Melbourne this year on July 24.
The full lineup of speakers will be released shortly.
This promises to be another great event, and the association looks forward to welcoming another strong crowd.