Nearly 160 Agriculture Groups From Canada, U.S., and Mexico Sign Letter Calling for Trade Deal Renewal

Key Takeaways

• Nearly 160 ag groups from Canada, US, Mexico demand CUSMA renewal
• Agri‑food trade under CUSMA grew to $285 billion in 2023
• Letter cites $149 billion U.S. output and half‑million jobs
• Groups warn bilateral splits would risk supply‑chain stability
• CUSMA review due July 1 2026; renewal could extend to 2042

Pulse Analysis

The North American trade agreement, known as CUSMA in Canada, USMCA in the United States and T‑MEC in Mexico, has become a cornerstone of the continent’s agricultural economy. By eliminating tariffs, harmonizing sanitary and phytosanitary standards, and reducing technical barriers, the pact enabled agri‑food trade to triple from 2005 to 2023, reaching $285 billion. This growth has translated into tangible benefits for producers, from Canadian canola growers to U.S. corn farmers and Mexican fruit exporters, who now enjoy predictable market access and lower compliance costs.

The recent coalition of nearly 160 agribusiness groups underscores how deeply the sector relies on the trilateral framework. Their joint letter to top trade officials cites $149 billion in U.S. economic output and half a million jobs directly linked to the agreement. Beyond tariffs, the SPS and TBT provisions safeguard food safety and quality, reducing the risk of border disruptions that could jeopardize supply chains across rural America and Latin America. The coordinated lobbying effort, including a CAFTA delegation meeting with Congress, signals that any move toward fragmented bilateral negotiations would be met with strong resistance from a broad cross‑section of the industry.

With the mandatory review slated for July 1, 2026, policymakers face a pivotal decision: extend the current pact for another 16 years or shift to more frequent, potentially uncertain, reviews. Extending CUSMA would lock in the existing benefits, providing stability for investors and producers while reinforcing North America’s position as the world’s most food‑secure region. Conversely, a fragmented approach could re‑introduce trade barriers, increase compliance costs, and erode the competitive advantage that has been built over the past decade. For stakeholders across the supply chain, the outcome of this review will shape the strategic landscape of North American agriculture for years to come.