Overall U.S. sales of tractors and combines continued to post strong numbers, led by combines and four-wheel-drive tractors, according to the July 2018 report from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.
July U.S. sales of combines gained 37 percent compared to last year, with year-to-date growth of nearly 24 percent compared to last year’s January-July numbers. U.S. sales of four-wheel-drive tractors jumped 77.5 percent for July compared to July 2017, and grew nearly 13 percent year-to-date over January-July 2017. For July, total U.S. sales of two-wheel drive tractors grew 12 percent over last year. Sales in the 100-plus horsepower category led the way with 31-percent growth.
An AEM spokesperson says the numbers are favorable, but surveys show AEM members are voicing concerns about the second half of the year, as “Tariffs and trade continue to dominate the conversation.”
Source: National Association of Farm Broadcasting News Service.