WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — North American trade uncertainty is rising as agriculture watches the 2026 review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). President Trump told reporters he is not looking to renew the pact and said the United States is talking with Canada and Mexico.
USMCA was negotiated under Trade Promotion Authority, also known as fast-track trade authority, and approved by Congress before taking effect in 2020. That authority expired in 2021, and the administration has not requested its reinstatement.
Without fast-track authority, any major new trade deal requiring congressional approval would face ordinary legislative procedures. That makes side agreements, enforcement actions, or limited executive arrangements more likely than a full replacement pact.
USTR has framed current talks around whether the agreement benefits U.S. farmers, ranchers, workers, and supply chains. Mexico has pushed for long-term extension, while Canada has signaled bilateral deals could accompany the review.
For producers, the issue is market certainty. Mexico and Canada remain critical buyers for U.S. corn, pork, dairy, beef, wheat, and other products.
