Grassley Confident Tough Stance On Canada Will Benefit U.S. Farmers

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says tough talk with Canada seems to be working on long-stuck issues like dairy that stand in the way of renewing USMCA.  Grassley said he favors “tough negotiations,” so American farmers get the best deal, and the President's now-delayed 50% tariff may reportedly have done that and boosted USMCA renewal.

"The United States must ensure that Canada lives up to its commitments under the agreement, such as taking more of our dairy products,” Grassley said.

Canada has repeatedly thwarted U.S. efforts to get Canada to comply with USMCA on dairy—a key hurdle to renewing the trilateral trade agreement.  Trump declared a last-minute tariff deal just hours before his 50% levy deadline, allowing three days to finalize the deal.

But Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney said “important work” remains. 

Grassley suggests of Trump’s tariff threat, Canada just needed a little push.

“The 50% thing is a lever to get Canada to talk seriously," Grassley said.  "And it seems to be working if he seems to think that in three days, something can be agreed to.”

Which, Grassley said could advance USMCA renewal efforts.

“One third of our agricultural exports go to Canada and Mexico. USMCA has helped increase our export markets by close to 35 billion dollars.”

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