USMCA Review Will Shape Future of Farm Trade and Exports
Members of the House Agriculture Committee voiced strong support for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) during a June 10, 2026, hearing, even as uncertainty surrounds the upcoming July 1, 2026, review of the trade pact.
Representatives from farmer organizations and major exporters, including the Meat Institute and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the agreement's importance for agricultural trade and market access.
Several lawmakers stressed that predictable trade relationships are essential for American producers. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE-2) reaffirmed his position on tariffs, stating, “Republicans have long supported pinpointed tariffs if someone is treating us unfairly. We don’t support global tariffs. Free trade is best for consumers.”
Committee members from both parties highlighted the value of export opportunities for agriculture. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) noted, “Strong and predictable export environments are critical for farmers and producers.”
Witnesses also raised concerns about existing trade barriers, including Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs and restrictions on live cattle imports from Mexico tied to screwworm disease concerns. Despite these issues, agricultural products continue to move across North American borders largely duty free.
Neil Herrington of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce emphasized the benefits of open trade, said, “Duty free trade has served us well, and the Chamber is clearly against Section 232 tariffs —especially aluminum —which are damaging to businesses and manufacturers, and food packaging.”
The hearing largely focused on preserving export markets while maintaining stable trade policies that provide certainty for producers and agribusinesses.
Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH-11) added, "We should strive for policies that maintain stable markets for farmers, and support domestic production."
Brown also encouraged policymakers to view the agreement from a broader perspective, saying the U.S. should “make sure USMCA helps domestic food production instead of shipping production overseas. We should think about USMCA not just as a trade agreement, but also as a national security strategy.”
The July 1 review will determine whether the three nations extend the agreement for another 16 years or move into annual reviews through 2036.
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