The U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement is set for review in 2026, and farm leaders say the renegotiation could bring major opportunities for agriculture.
USMCA governs trade between the three largest trading partners in North America, and for U.S. farmers, Mexico and Canada remain two of the most important export markets for corn, soybeans, meat, and dairy products.
According to Dave Salmonsen, senior director of government relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation, “The U.S. Trade Representative’s Office has solicited comments from all kinds of people in industry, what they think of the opportunities for changes in the agreement. Our Trade Representative, Ambassador Greer, has been briefing the various committees on what the objectives of the government will be going forward.”
Salmonsen says improvements to the agreement could mean fewer barriers, smoother exports, and stronger demand for U.S. products — especially at a time when global competition is increasing.
He adds, “We were not satisfied with how Canada implemented any improvements in dairy product access from the U.S. in the USMCA. We also have had problems over the many years with seasonal import surges, primarily seasonal produce from Mexico. That is what we want to see addressed when the countries come together.”
While negotiations are still a year away, producers and commodity organizations are already urging lawmakers to modernize USMCA in ways that support long-term growth, stability, and profitability for American agriculture.
“Folks from the various trade and other agencies and their governments will get together to work on the issues and prepare, hopefully, an agreement that they can discuss in July. And in Congress, they’ll expect hearings from the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate, from the Finance Committee, perhaps other committees,” said Salmonsen
For farmers, the 2026 review could turn into a win for all of North America.
