American Soybean Association Executive Committee member and Minnesota soybean farmer Jamie Beyer emphasized the importance of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement during testimony before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, urging lawmakers to maintain long-term certainty for U.S. agriculture.

The hearing, titled “Agricultural Perspectives on the Future of the USMCA,” focused on the agreement’s role in supporting agricultural trade among the United States, Mexico and Canada.

During her testimony, Beyer said USMCA has helped preserve duty-free market access for soybeans and soy products, strengthened science-based trade rules and provided stability for soybean producers amid increasing global trade uncertainty.

“USMCA has provided stability and predictability for U.S. soybean farmers and strengthened our trading relationship with two of our most important export markets,” Beyer said. “At a time when farmers are facing significant economic pressure and global trade uncertainty, maintaining strong, rules-based trade relationships with Canada and Mexico is more important than ever.”

According to the American Soybean Association, Canada and Mexico accounted for $4 billion in U.S. soy complex exports during the 2024-25 marketing year, representing more than 13% of total U.S. soy exports.

Mexico alone purchased $3.3 billion in U.S. soybeans, soybean meal and soybean oil during the marketing year, making it one of the soybean industry’s largest export markets.

Beyer warned lawmakers that allowing the agreement to lapse could have serious consequences for the agricultural sector.

“Failure to renew USMCA would be catastrophic for U.S. agriculture,” Beyer said. “Entire industries, companies, farmers and families depend on this agreement. We hope appropriate improvements can be made, but the agreement’s long-term extension must never be in doubt.”

The American Soybean Association said it plans to continue working with policymakers to preserve and strengthen USMCA in support of soybean farmers and rural communities.

The full testimony can be read here.

Source: American Soybean Association, "ASA Testifies Before House Agriculture Committee on Importance of USMCA to U.S. Soybean Farmers"