Lawmakers Calling For Civility During USMCA Talks

Lawmakers are urging the Administration to wade into next year’s USMCA renegotiation with “civility,” given the angst in Canada and Mexico over the president’s tariffs.  Next year’s U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement review was once expected to be routine, but, given President Trump’s tariffs, it could become a high-stakes negotiation.

"100 members of Congress sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Greer on the importance of civility under the USMCA," noted Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley who helped to shepherd USMCA through the Senate in 2020.

And the Iowa Republican said those 100 members of Congress submitted that letter for a good reason.

“In the last five years, Ag exports to Mexico shot up to nearly $30 billion," Grassley pointed out.  "Compare that $30 billion in the last five years to the $20 billion for the ten years, ’10 to ’19.”

With a similar increase to Canada.  However, he acknowledged more work remains to ease dairy exports heading north.

"A group of over 120 Ag organizations signed a letter supporting a full 16-year renewal of the USMCA," Grassley said.  "Stable export markets to Canada and Mexico can allow U.S. farmers and businesses to flourish.”

There are more than half a billion people in the North American market, representing almost 30% of the world economy.

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