U.S. agricultural groups are urging the Trump administration and North American trade partners to move quickly on renewing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement after U.S. trade officials declined to extend the pact in its current form ahead of a key July 1 review deadline.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said officials from the United States, Mexico and Canada met this week to review the agreement but did not reach consensus on a renewal. The trade pact will remain in force while negotiations continue.

Under the agreement’s review provisions, all three countries were required by July 1 to indicate a path forward. Without a renewal agreement, the three governments must revisit the pact annually until it expires automatically in 2036.

The development has raised concerns across the agriculture sector, where the USMCA is considered a critical framework for trade stability and market access.

National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower said the agreement remains the most important trade pact for U.S. corn producers. Mexico is the largest buyer of U.S. corn, while Canada is the top export market for U.S. ethanol.

“USMCA is the single most important trade agreement to the corn industry,” Bower said. “Right now, we need the long-term certainty that USMCA gives us.”

Bower also pointed to the agreement’s dispute settlement system as a key tool for corn growers, particularly in addressing policies tied to biotechnology access.

The American Feed Industry Association also expressed concern over the decision not to renew the agreement, warning that annual reviews could create prolonged uncertainty for feed manufacturers and pet food producers that depend on integrated North American supply chains.

AFIA President and CEO Constance Cullman said the agreement has been a foundation for growth and investment across the animal feed sector.

“The USMCA has provided the confidence and predictability that the U.S. animal feed and pet food industries need to invest, plan and compete,” Cullman said.

Cullman said bilateral agreements could address some issues but would not match the efficiencies of a unified North American trade framework. She said continued uncertainty could complicate business planning for companies that rely on seamless trade with Canada and Mexico.

AFIA noted that animal food exports to Canada and Mexico have grown from about $2.3 billion in 2020 to more than $3.3 billion in 2024 under the USMCA.

The group also highlighted broader economic benefits, citing coalition data showing that every $1 in U.S. agricultural exports under the agreement supports an additional $2.45 in economic activity.

Both groups said they support efforts to strengthen the agreement but emphasized that long-term certainty is essential for agricultural producers, exporters and processors as negotiations continue.

Sources

National Corn Growers Association, "NCGA Emphasizes USMCA Importance to Corn Growers, Calls for Renewal"

American Soybean Association, "AFIA Concerned by USMCA Non-Renewal"