The process that was once expected to be routine has transformed into a contentious negotiation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Over 40 U.S. agricultural groups have formed a coalition to demand the renewal of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) ahead of the mandatory 2026 review, highlighting its critical role in boosting export, ensuring market stability, and supporting the farm economy. While seeking targeted improvements, ranchers and farmers emphasize the need for continued, seamless trade.
As part of the launch, the Agricultural Coalition for the United-States-Mexico-Canada Agreement unveiled a new website and kicked off an aggressive ad campaign in the nation’s capital, all of which is designed to promote the benefits afforded to the U.S. food and agriculture sector under the USMCA as the administration approaches the 2026 mandatory review.
USMCA was signed by the United States, Mexico and Canada in 2018 during President Trump’s first term and was implemented in 2020 to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement.
The agreement has significantly increased U.S. agriculture exports to Canada and Mexico, provided more certainty between the three nations and created a mechanism for resolving trade disputes.
But Trump has said he views the USMCA agreement as transitional and it may have outlived its usefulness. “I don’t even think about USMCA. I want to see Canada and Mexico do well. But the problem is we don’t need their product,” said Trump. “It expires very shortly, and we could have it or not, it wouldn’t matter to me.
The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is set for a mandatory review before a possible extension on July 1, a process that was once expected to be routine but has transformed into a contentious negotiation. Trump has demanded additional trade concessions from Ottawa and Mexico City and pressured them to address unrelated issues, including migration, drug trafficking and defense.
If the countries agree to a renewal, the accord would remain in force for another 16 years. But if that doesn’t happen, it could trigger annual reviews for a decade until the deal’s expiration in 2036. Any country could announce its intent to withdraw with six-months notice.
