RealAg Radio: Examining Canada’s Caution and Mexico’s Momentum Heading into USMCA Review

Shaun Haney, host of RealAg Radio, outlines potential risks for agriculture as negotiations continue between the two countries

CALGARY, ALBERTA (RFD NEWS) — The countdown is underway for the upcoming USMCA review, as early discussions raise questions about how Canada and Mexico are approaching negotiations.

Shaun Haney, host of RealAg Radio, joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and recent trade developments and potential conflict between the three North American countries.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Haney says Mexico has been more active in working toward solutions, taking a more aggressive approach to resolving disagreements. Canada, on the other hand, appears to be moving at a slower pace despite still supporting the deal.

He notes there is some risk the agreement could shift away from a three-country structure toward more bilateral arrangements, though he believes much of the current rhetoric is part of the negotiation process.

“At the end of the day, all three countries here, whether it’s bilateral or a trilateral deal, are at a time when affordability is so critical to consumers inside North America that a trade deal is important to be closed here,” Haney said.

From an agricultural perspective, Haney says Canadian farmers could face the greatest risk in areas such as dairy market access and the country’s crop variety registration system as talks continue.

Catch Shaun Haney weekdays on RealAg Radio, which airs at 4:30 PM ET on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.

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Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


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