By Luke Reynolds*

The Irrigation Association (IA) is preparing to release a new data snapshot analyzing U.S. irrigation equipment exports and the potential implications of evolving trade policy under the Trump administration. The forthcoming dispatch will highlight the critical role of North American trade partners – particularly Canada and Mexico – in sustaining demand for U.S.-made irrigation products.

Preliminary findings show that in 2024, nearly 70 percent of U.S. center pivot irrigation system exports went to Canada and Mexico. Across a broader range of ag and landscape irrigation components, total exports topped US$485 million, with Mexico, Canada and Australia as the leading destinations.

“These numbers demonstrate that the USMCA trading bloc is vital to the strength of U.S. irrigation exports,” said Andrew Morris, associate director of technical and regulatory affairs at the IA. “With new tariffs under consideration and ongoing global trade shifts, we want to ensure our members have access to the data and insights they need to navigate uncertainty.”

The IA’s upcoming snapshot draws from U.S. Census Bureau trade data and provides detailed analysis of key Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes relevant to the industry, including:
• 8424.82.0010 – Self-propelled center pivot irrigation equipment
• 8424.82.0020 – Other agricultural/horticultural irrigation systems
• 8424.82.0090 – Spraying and dispersion equipment for ag use

While recent U.S. tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports have raised concern, many irrigation products may remain exempt under USMCA duty-free provisions – though eligibility depends on sourcing and assembly criteria. Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs on a range of U.S. goods, while Mexico has not yet imposed retaliatory measures.

The IA plans to make the information available to members later this month and will continue monitoring developments in U.S. trade policy. The goal is to provide ongoing, data-informed guidance to support export planning and supply chain decision-making across the irrigation sector.

*Luke Reynolds is Associate Director, Government & Public Affairs, with the Irrigation Association