U.S. Pork Industry Celebrates Three Years Of USMCA, Exports To Mexico Have Nearly Doubled

Jul 10, 2023

What happened: July 1 is the third anniversary of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) entering into force, and the U.S. pork industry is celebrating. Pork exports to America’s neighbors, especially to Mexico, have soared under the successor to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Since the USMCA went into effect, U.S. pork exports to Mexico have increased from nearly $1.2 billion in 2020 to more than $2 billion in 2022, while exports to Canada have grown from about $853 million in 2020 to $867 million last year. For the first four months of 2023, both countries are on pace to take record amounts of pork for the year.

Why it is important: The USMCA updated and modernized the then-23-year-old NAFTA, adding provisions related to E-commerce and digital trade and expanding market access for U.S. eggs and dairy, among other changes. Importantly, the agreement maintained the zero-tariff rate on pork traded in North America that was established under NAFTA.

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Video: FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

It's sheep shearing day at Ewetopia Farms! ?? Our Dorset lambs and ewes are getting fleeced — and for the first time, our shearer hands over his clippers to a beginner. We finish shearing the last of our adult ewes and this year’s Dorset ewe lambs.

From moving the sheep between barns, loading them into chutes, and watching the wool come off, this is always one of the most satisfying days on the farm. But this video has a twist — we welcomed a new helper, Gian, who’s not only lending a hand but also learning how to shear! With guidance from our experienced shearer, he got a crash course in sheep shearing and even tried his hand at shearing a couple of lambs himself.

You’ll see firsthand how both teacher and student handled this unique challenge. Shearing is more than just removing wool — it’s about sheep health, comfort, and giving us a closer look at the flock. It’s always amazing to see the transformation from woolly sheep to freshly shorn ewes and lambs.