By Jamie Martin
Agriculture, manufacturing, and technology leaders recently gathered in Washington to discuss the importance of renewing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The discussion comes as the major North American trade agreement approaches its scheduled review period.
The event was hosted by the National Corn Growers Association and the National Foreign Trade Council. Industry representatives used the opportunity to explain how the agreement supports American jobs, strengthens supply chains, and helps companies compete in global markets.
Speakers noted that USMCA plays a critical role in maintaining strong trade relationships between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. These three countries rely heavily on each other for agricultural products, manufacturing inputs, and technology supply chains.
"I appreciate the National Foreign Trade Council and the National Corn Growers Association for hosting this important conversation," said Senator Young, the keynote speaker at the event. "Working to improve and preserve USMCA is critical for Indiana's agricultural and manufacturing communities who rely on the certainty and stability of market access in North America."
Participants from agriculture and industry highlighted how the agreement has provided stability and certainty for businesses. Stable trade rules help farmers and manufacturers make long-term investments and plan production with confidence.
A senator who spoke during the event emphasized that the agreement is particularly important for farming and manufacturing communities that rely on reliable market access.
Industry leaders also discussed the importance of North American cooperation in strengthening economic competitiveness. They explained that integrated supply chains allow businesses to operate efficiently and support job creation throughout the region.
"USMCA has been incredibly important for farmers like me," said Matt Frostic, a fifth-generation Michigan farmer and first vice president of the National Corn Growers Association.
"Mexico and Canada are two of our most important export markets and the certainty this agreement provides allows farmers to plan, invest and continue feeding and fueling the world. As the agreement enters its review period, it's important that policymakers focus on strengthening what works so American agriculture and industry can continue to grow," said Frostic.
Trade policy experts also pointed out that the United States exports more products to Canada and Mexico than to its next several export markets combined. This highlights the importance of maintaining strong partnerships with North American trading partners.
The event forms part of a broader campaign led by the Agricultural Coalition for USMCA. The coalition aims to encourage policymakers to preserve and strengthen the trade agreement during the upcoming review.
"We are pleased to partner with NCGA to underscore that USMCA is critical for American workers across every sector, from farmer to plant operator. U.S. production and manufacturing rely on the indispensable inputs and efficiencies from our geographic allies,” said NFTC senior director and USMCA lead, Brad Wood.
“They are also our top customers; America exports more to Canada and Mexico than its next 8 export markets combined. We must prioritize these partnerships, restore predictability, and renew a trilateral USMCA," said Wood.
Supporters believe that renewing USMCA will continue to support agriculture, strengthen regional supply chains, and maintain economic stability for industries across North America.
Photo Credit: national-corn-growers-association
Categories: National