Australia-Tractors seem recession proof.

AUSTALIA-TRACTOR SALES SEEM RECESSION PROOF..

Australian tractor sales have bucked the global economic downturn, posting almost 12,000 units sold nation-wide last year.

Only twice in the past 12 years have sales gone past 12,000 and last year’s result of 11,997 was up 10.85% on 2007.

The tractors sold were worth almost A$900 million.

Sales of tractors with more than 90kW jumped 32% on 2007, for a total of 2005 units.

The bulk of the sales were in the 30-90kW bracket, where 6805 tractors were sold, a rise of almost 6% on 2007.

Tractor suppliers are quietly confident the farming sector will maintain momentum throughout this year.

Speaking at the launch of a new Landini tractor in Melbourne this month, Geoff Maber, managing director of PFG, said Australia was well-placed to supply key markets such as Asia.

"With four billion people to feed on our doorstep, markets such as Asia will ensure Australia’s agriculture remains strong," he said.

"I believe the tractor market in Australia could become 15,000-20,000 sales a year within 10 years," Maber said.