WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — The future of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was front and center on Capitol Hill today as the House Agriculture Committee gathered testimony from key agricultural stakeholders ahead of the pact’s formal review process.
Lawmakers heard from representatives of several major agricultural sectors, including the dairy, soybean, and meat industries, as they examined how the trade agreement has affected U.S. agriculture since it took effect in 2020.
The hearing serves as a precursor to the formal USMCA review process, which is scheduled to begin in July.
During his opening remarks, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson highlighted the agreement’s role in supporting agricultural trade across North America.
Thompson noted that the trilateral trade pact has generated billions of dollars in agricultural commerce since its implementation and remains a critical component of export opportunities for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses.
“USMCA maintains tariff-free treatment for certain agricultural products while expanding market access for a range of U.S.-grown commodities,” Thompson said. “This has proven to be extremely beneficial not only to our U.S. farmers, ranchers, foresters, and agri-businesses, but also to U.S. consumers and the economy as a whole.”
As negotiations and review discussions begin, Thompson said he is confident the administration will work closely with industry groups and agricultural stakeholders to ensure producer interests remain a priority throughout the process.
The upcoming review is expected to focus on a range of issues affecting cross-border agricultural trade, market access, and the competitiveness of U.S. farm products throughout North America.
Industry groups are expected to use the review process to raise concerns and identify opportunities for strengthening agricultural trade among the three countries.
The formal USMCA review process begins next month.
In his speech on Wednesday, Thompson also listed statistics to communicate the North American trade agreement’s value and importance to U.S. agriculture:
“I would like to share a few statistics that highlight those benefits,” said Rep. GT Thompson. “Economic models show that in 2024 alone, agricultural and seafood exports to Canada and Mexico generated $149 billion in total economic contribution to the U.S. economy, supporting nearly half a million American jobs and generating $36 billion in wages.
- “Since USMCA took effect, Mexico and Canada have collectively purchased more than $60 billion in U.S. ag commodities annually, accounting for roughly one-third of all U.S. ag exports. Mexico and Canada together account for over 40% of all U.S. dairy exports by value, meaning that USMCA remains the most commercially significant trade agreement for the U.S. dairy industry.
- “For the U.S. forest products sector, Canada accounts for 39% of imports and Mexico accounts for 24% of the export market.
- “For fruits and vegetables, exports from the U.S. to Canada and Mexico reached over $7 billion in 2024, representing roughly two-thirds of all global U.S. fresh produce exports. Canada and Mexico together accounted for $4 billion in exports in marketing year 2024 for the soybean industry.
- “In 2025, U.S. meat and poultry exports exceeded $23 billion, and exports to Canada and Mexico accounted for $8 billion of that total.
- “For agri-businesses, USMCA’s provisions on things like sanitary and phytosanitary measures help ensure that legitimate health and safety rules do not become barriers to trade.
- “A recent study by Purdue University has also found that North American trade agreements, including USMCA, have helped lower food prices for U.S. households, generating an estimated savings of $700 per year.
“These statistics, and many others across all agricultural commodities, prove why USMCA is so important to the U.S. ag industry.”
Trade relations between the United States and Canada remain a major topic of discussion as business and agricultural leaders gather for a Farm Credit Canada event focused on cross-border commerce and the future of North American trade.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss the event’s goals and the conversations taking place among producers, business leaders, and policymakers across Saskatchewan.
In his interview with RFD News, Haney said the event is designed to bring together leaders from across the agricultural and business sectors to examine trade opportunities, economic challenges, and the importance of maintaining strong commercial ties between Canada and the United States. Discussions are expected to focus on market access, competitiveness, and the evolving trade environment facing both countries.
He also addressed producer sentiment regarding the upcoming USMCA review, noting that while many farmers and ranchers recognize the agreement’s value, there is uncertainty about what changes could emerge during the review and how they may affect agricultural trade flows.
In addition, Haney discussed the speakers and industry leaders participating in the event, highlighting the opportunity to hear directly from policymakers, economists, and business executives about the future of North American trade and economic cooperation.
Haney also shared his perspective on the current relationship between Canada and the United States, noting that while trade disputes and political tensions have at times created challenges, both countries continue to recognize the importance of maintaining a strong and productive economic partnership.
