by | Jun 10, 2026 | 5 Ag Stories, News
Speaking at the White House today, President Trump stated that he is not looking to renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, saying that “we don’t need anything that Canada has, we don’t need anything that Mexico has.” However, this statement comes as the ag industry continues to raise its voice in support of continuing the agreement, as Canada and Mexico are two of the largest markets for U.S. exports. Farmers for Free Trade Board Chairman Bob Hemesath, who is also a corn and hog farmer from northeast Iowa, said the president’s comments are concerning for agriculture trade.
Since USMCA took effect, U.S. ag exports to Canada and Mexico have increased by $20 billion, reaching $60 billion in 2024. The two markets now account for one-third of global U.S. ag exports, and that trade supports nearly half a million American jobs and provides $149 billion in economic output across the country.
The original agreement, which was negotiated by President Trump, isn’t perfect by any means, but Hemesath said it can be improved through the built-in negotiation process.
Hemesath said the timing of President Trump’s comments could point to them actually being a negotiation tactic, as he does have a history of making similar statements in order to try and gain leverage.
For more information, visit farmersforfreetrade.com.
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