Letter of Support for USMCA

Illinois Leaders Stand Up for Farmers Ahead of USMCA Review

More than 100 House Representatives wrote to a top Trump administration trade official Thursday to argue the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement has benefited U.S. agriculture exports.

IL Corn thanks Illinois Representatives Mike Bost, Nikki Budzinski, Danny Davis, Robin Kelly, Darin LaHood, and Eric Sorensen for signing onto a letter supporting North American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses.

“The USMCA is critical for U.S. corn farmers, as Mexico and Canada are our two largest trading partners. ICGA is grateful that our Illinois lawmakers are willing to reinforce the importance of maintaining strong and stable access to our top export markets,” said Mark Bunselmeyer, Illinois farmer and IL Corn Growers Association President.”

Representatives from Canada, the U.S., and Mexico will meet next summer to review the free trade agreement and decide whether to extend the agreement beyond its 2036 expiration date. During a recent public comment period, more than 100 ag commodity groups backed a full 16-year renewal of the deal.

Mexico is the top importer of U.S. 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 for Illinois. Canada is the largest importer of U.S. ethanol, purchasing 33% to 48% of total U.S. ethanol exports.

IL Corn will continue to monitor the progress of the USMCA review and will continue to advocate for the continuation of this critical agreement for agriculture.