What we feared the most from President Trump is now very likely to happen. He has promised that he will put a 25% tariff on EU goods entering the US, which will include Ireland. As he said at a press conference on 3rd Feb. regarding tariffs “ . . it will definitely happen with the European Union, I can tell you that.”

U.S. tariffs on agricultural machinery could significantly impact Irish agricultural machinery dealers and distributors. Even though we might not be regarded internationally as a producer of agricultural machinery, there are still several companies in Ireland who manufacture agricultural equipment and export all over the world, including into the US. Any tariffs put on exports to the US will be felt by these companies.

If the U.S. increases tariffs on agricultural machinery from countries like Ireland, it could increase the costs for Irish manufacturers or distributors who export machinery to the U.S. Tariffs will raise the price of these goods in the U.S. market, making them less competitive compared to similar equipment that is manufactured in the US.

For Irish dealers and distributors, this could mean fewer sales in the U.S. market, as the higher prices could deter American farmers and agricultural businesses from purchasing Irish made machinery. Smaller Irish businesses may be hit harder, as they may lack the resources or scale to absorb the additional costs and could be forced to pass them on to their US customers, which, potentially could lose them market share. This could have ripple effects on Irish manufacturers, who may face reduced demand for their products in the US resulting in lower revenue.

What will the likely response be from Europe? If the EU imposes similar tariffs on US goods entering Europe it will make American agricultural machinery that bit more expensive. If that is the case then it could make European or locally manufactured machinery more attractive to Irish customers. Dealers might see an increase in demand for products they import from other countries within the European Union, which could help cancel out the effects of US tariffs.

If he is invited, this day next month, should see Taoiseach, Micheál Martin visit the White House on St. Patrick’s Day for the traditional handing over of the bowl of shamrock. He should make the most of this opportunity to see if he can do a deal with Donald Trump on Irish exports, which includes our agricultural machinery manufacturing companies. It will take a lot of ‘Luck of the Irish’ to pull off a deal that would make Ireland exempt from these possible European tariffs. This is extremely unlikely, given that American technology and pharmaceutical companies based in Ireland are making huge profits that benefit the Irish exchequer. Donald Trump knows this and wants a slice of those profits. 

Hopefully, as was the case with Mexico and Canada, tariffs on European exports to the US may be avoided through lengthy negotiations. We should prepare for the worst but hope for the best. The long-term consequences on US tariffs will depend on the ability of Irish companies to adapt to changing trade conditions, manage costs, and find new markets. We’ll keep our fingers crossed.

Husqvarna Group in the U.S has announced a strategic partnership with Flex Ltd., an end-to-end global manufacturer, which includes the divestment of its manufacturing operations in Orangeburg, South Carolina, USA, effective immediately.

Flex will manufacture Husqvarna Group's products in the factory under a long-term supply agreement, ensuring continued production of the company's wheeled products and assembly of handheld products for the North American market. The manufacturer says the partnership aims to " . . increase profitability, improve capital efficiency, enhance production flexibility and strengthen the Group's competitiveness in North America."

With Flex assuming manufacturing responsibilities of the Orangeburg facility, the current workforce will be offered employment with Flex. The partnership is expected to result in cost-savings of approximately €31 million after five years. The one-time costs for Husqvarna Group, booked in Q4 2024, amount to approximately €22 million in addition to a limited one-time cost in Q1, 2025.

Pavel Hajman, CEO of Husqvarna Group said, "The partnership secures our manufacturing of important products for the North American market, while enhancing flexibility and customer focus."

All Husqvarna Group’s three divisions are represented on the American market, where the Orangeburg factory is producing for the Husqvarna Forest & Garden division. North America is Husqvarna Group’s largest market with approximately a third of the company’s total sales in 2024.

Agritechnica 2025 will take place from 9 to 15 November in Hanover, Germany.

Under this year's guiding theme ‘Touch Smart Efficiency’, the agricultural machinery trade fair will this year introduce a new theme days concept. With the slogan '7 days - 7 themes', organisers say they will meet the needs of different groups of visitors on each of the seven days of the fair. Current levels of exhibitor registrations already suggest a high level of international exhibitor participation.
 

Each of the seven days of the trade fair now promises a particular focus, enabling visitors to find the topics and technologies that are most relevant to them. For example, the two Agribusiness Days on 10 and 11 November will focus on information and events relevant to dealers, contractors and large-scale farmers. The number of tickets for the two Agribusiness Days is limited. Tickets will go on sale in July.
  
The ‘Innovation and Press Day’ (9 November), the ‘International Farmers Day’ (12 November), the ‘Digital Farm Day’ (13 November), the ‘Young Professional Day’ (14 November) and ‘Celebrate Farming’ will focus on additional target groups and topics.

Iseki UK & Ireland won the 'Excellent Business Growth Award' at the manufacturer's Awards Convention after more than doubling sales in the last seven years.

Presented by the president of the company, Mr Tomiyasu and general manager for international business, Kazuya Tani, the award recognised the outstanding work done by the entire UK & Ireland team, whose work has seen them gain the most growth and market share of any country in the world.

Managing director of Iseki UK & Ireland David Withers, who was joined by sales director Alan Prickett and commercial manager Graham Hooper, accepted the award at the ceremony hosted in Japan and was delighted to receive the recognition.

"It is a great honour to receive the 'Excellent Business Growth' award. It's a fantastic recognition of our entire team's hard work, dedication, and passion over the past seven years," David said.

"To have more than doubled our sales and achieved the highest growth and market share gain globally is a real testament to the strength of the Iseki brand in the UK and Ireland, as well as the commitment of our dealer network and customers.

"We're incredibly proud of this achievement, and we're excited to continue building on this momentum and bring even more success to Iseki in the years to come."

The Toro Company has announced that Richard Walne has been named managing director of the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region for its International Business. 

In his new role, Richard will have leadership responsibility for the company’s equipment and water businesses in the region.

Richard’s career at The Toro Company spans 45 years, during which he has held various roles across the International Business. His journey with Toro began as a technical representative in Europe and from there he has had responsibilities around the world. He held senior marketing and product development roles in the United States. He then transitioned to the Asia Pacific, Australia and China (APAC) region, ultimately serving as managing director, APAC, a position he had held since 2000. 

Amy Dahl, vice president, International at The Toro Company said, “Richard's industry knowledge and impressive career at The Toro Company have been nothing short of exceptional. His contributions have significantly shaped our international business across the globe, and his dedication to our customers and teams is unparalleled. We are thrilled that Richard is moving into this role and are confident that he will help expand our market leadership and accelerate growth in this region moving forward.”

Richard will relocate to the United Kingdom over the next few months, marking a return to where he first began his career with The Toro Company

Spearhead Machinery has appointed Jack Wyatt as director of sales and marketing as the British manufacturer says they are looking to unveil new machines in 2025.

Jack Wyatt

Following the departure of Antony Prince, who recently became general manager of Alamo Group The Netherlands, Jack Wyatt now leads the team.

Jack joined the company in 2021 having completed an agricultural engineering degree. He has since gained experience across the company, most recently as export sales manager under the mentorship of Antony. Jack has also been closely involved in product development, liaising with both customers and the company's engineering team to develop new features on various machines.

Jack said, “I’m delighted to follow in Antony’s footsteps and succeed him as director of sales and marketing. Having worked together for several years, I share his innovative vision and our customer-focused approach that ensures Spearhead leads vegetation management machinery.”

Spearhead say 2024 was their second-best performing year to date.  Moving into 2025, they plan to launch several new machines along with updates across the full product range. 

Jack continued, “We’re keen to support all our customers with strong and reliable machines while growing the Spearhead brand in all sectors and markets around the world. With direct user feedback and a skilled UK manufacturing base, we’ll continue adding further value to every machine purchased."