Strong Support Builds for USMCA Review

Ag and business leaders unite to back the North American trade agreement

Agriculture and business organizations across the United States are showing strong support for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement as the three countries prepare for an important joint review. Next July marks six years since the agreement was implemented, and leaders from all three nations will assess its performance and discuss its future direction. 

Ahead of this milestone, the National Pork Producers Council and more than 500 other groups representing all 50 states sent a letter to the U.S. Trade Representative. They highlighted that more than 13 million American jobs rely on trade with Canada and Mexico. According to the letter, the case for maintaining the agreement is strong because it continues to support economic growth across many sectors. 

The organizations stressed that the USMCA helps U.S. manufacturers, farmers, and service providers reach customers in Canada and Mexico. They noted that nearly all American goods enter these markets without tariffs, allowing businesses to stay competitive and create stable employment. These benefits make Canada and Mexico the top two export markets for the United States. 

In October, agriculture and food groups submitted formal comments encouraging trade officials to move carefully when reviewing or considering changes to the agreement. NPPC also submitted its own comments, emphasizing that the agreement remains essential for reliable market access and continued economic strength. 

“USMCA ensures U.S. manufacturers, farmers, and service providers can continue to access the Canadian and Mexican markets,” said the organizations. “It guarantees that virtually all U.S. exports enter these markets tariff-free and helps American companies and the workers they employ compete in our top two export markets.” 

The USMCA plays a major role in connecting the three countries. Canada and Mexico buy more U.S. manufactured goods than the next twelve largest markets combined. They also purchase one-third of all U.S. agricultural exports and serve as leading destinations for small and medium-sized businesses. For the U.S. pork industry, Mexico and Canada rank as the first and fourth largest export markets. 

Because of these strong economic ties, agriculture and business groups believe the trade agreement is vital for long-term stability. Their message is clear: the USMCA continues to support millions of jobs, strengthen farm and business opportunities, and remain a foundation for North American trade. 

Photo Credit: pexels-nc-farm-bureau-mark