Keeping Trade Strong: Support for USMCA Renewal

Corn Farmers Urge the Continued Operation and Trade Stability with Mexico and Canada

The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a mutually beneficial win for North American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses, is due for a mandatory review in 2026. The agreement creates more balanced, reciprocal trade to support high-paying jobs and grow the North American economy.

The leaders from all three countries must consider whether to extend the USMCA and are required to begin review by July 2026. If the agreement isn’t extended by the end of 2026, it will enter a period of annual reviews until its expiration in 2036. This would create uncertainty for farmers who depend on trade with our largest two partners, so a long-term extension would benefit all involved.

“The USMCA is a fundamental agreement that U.S. corn farmers have greatly benefited from through export markets. The ability to efficiently transport between the countries allows agricultural exports to thrive in these markets,” Mark Bunselmeyer, Illinois farmer and IL Corn Growers Association Vice President.



Mexico is the top importer of US corn. Illinois shipped between 244 million and 344 million bushels of corn to Mexico over the past three marketing years—representing between 22% and 35% of all out-of-state shipments. Canada is the largest US ethanol importer—buying 33% to 48% of total US ethanol exports.

IL Corn encourages the Trump administration to support a full 16-year renewal of the agreement to continue the agricultural and economic benefits.