Machine Sales grow 52% in the semester
Valor Econômico - 07/07/2008
The Brazilian industry of agricultural machines ended the first semester with a production 38.8% higher than 2007's same period's. If this rhythm is kept, the segment should reach the projection of the National Association of Automotive Vehicles Manufacturer (Anfavea) of producing 85 thousand units this year, a volume 30% bigger than 2007's. The total production was 39,984 machines. In June, 7,345 units were produced, which represented a 13.5% growth compared to the previous month and 27.8% compared to June of 2007. In the semester, the most accelerated production rhythm was the harvesters'. The segment grew 91%. Sales in the domestic market grew 52.4%, up to 25,394 units. Imported machines advanced expressively, although, in absolute values, the number of imported machines represented only a small share of the market. 684 units were sold, a volume 744.4% superior to the first semester of 2007. The exportations growth was 26.5%, up to 14,751 machines, although, in values, the advance was more moderate due to the exchange rate. Sales abroad totaled US$ 6.873 billion, which represented growth of 11.8%. Harvesters, with an advance of 68.8%, were, once more, the segment with the most expressive high. Exportations of backhoes and mechanized cultivators, on the other side, dropped in the first semester.