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THE EQUIPMENT DEALERS ASSOCIATION The Association recently completed its second annual inven- tory survey in conjunction with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). By doing the survey jointly with AEM it is able to get an understanding of how aligned (or not) equipment dealers are with their manufacturers. Last year when the EDA surveyed its members, it found that 72 percent of dealers said their NEW inventory levels were stable or falling and 77 percent said the same about their USED inventory. Nevertheless, dealers still felt that both their new and used inventory levels were too high. This year, a similar number of dealers found their new and used equipment levels to be stable or decreasing (79 percent and 77 percent, respectively) however, a greater percentage felt that their inventory levels were “just right.” In 2016 34 percent of dealers felt their new inventory levels were just right com- pared to almost 43 percent in 2017. Only 29 percent of dealers felt their used inventory levels were just right in 2016 but al- most 36 percent felt that way in 2017. It is hoped that dealers continue to become comfortable with their inventory levels but there are a number of factors that will continue to affect their sales. Low fuel costs over the last year may have facilitated equip- ment sales. However, having good, used equipment on their lots can impede the sales of new equipment. The economy in general also plays a role. Right now agricul- ture is hurting. Commodity prices are down so it makes sense that equipment sales are down. Construction on the other hand has been holding fairly steady if not improving–the improvement in the U.S. economy over the last several months has likely facili- tated this. EDA is supportive of rural infrastructure legislation and believes it will have a positive impact on the ag economy. Trade agreements are another hot topic right now. Dealers AT A GLANCE THE EQUIPMENT DEALERS ASSOCIATION WHAT: A trade association representing equipment deal- ers in North America WHERE: St. Louis, Missouri WEBSITE: www.equipmentdealer.org