Experts discuss why USMCA stability matters for North American meat
Industry leaders recently gathered at the U.S. Meat Export Federation Strategic Planning Conference to discuss the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Speakers emphasized that keeping duty-free access for pork, beef, and lamb moving between the three countries is essential for farmers, processors, and consumers.
Kenneth Smith Ramos, a former Mexican negotiator who helped shape USMCA, explained that the agreement has strengthened food security and supported agricultural profitability in both the United States and Mexico. “We see a complex USMCA review, but we do not see a scenario where there is an imminent collapse of the agreement,” said Kenneth. “There will be turbulence, but we do not see the plane crashing.”
Smith encouraged agricultural groups in all three countries to continue highlighting the benefits of USMCA. He said cooperation is necessary to ensure the agreement remains a trilateral system that supports open markets and shared economic growth.
Canadian trade expert John Masswohl also shared his perspective. He discussed how duty-free livestock and meat trade between the U.S. and Canada has created major efficiencies. In some regions, Canadian cattle account for nearly 30% of processing capacity. Without these animals, Masswohl explained, several U.S. packing plants might struggle to operate. This could force American livestock producers to transport their cattle over much longer distances, increasing costs and reducing efficiency.
“You have to ask yourself, if those [Canadian] cattle weren't coming into the U.S., what would the reality be?” said Masswohl. “Would there really be a need for two major packing plants in the Pacific Northwest? Would there be a need for a packing plant in Utah? In some of these areas, some years, up to 30% of the kill is Canadian cattle. If they don’t have those facilities, are livestock producers prepared to ship their animals many hundreds more miles to be processed?”
Overall, the discussion highlighted that maintaining USMCA is critical for the stability of North America’s livestock, meat, and agriculture sectors. Strong trade relationships help support rural communities, increase market opportunities, and ensure reliable food supplies.
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