What’s at Risk if USMCA Isn’t Enforced or Renewed

The U.S. — Mexico—Canada Agreement (USMCA) is known for being a trade success story for the various beneficial pathways that it provides for North Americans, which is why it must be fully enforced and renewed on time. For agriculture, especially corn farmers, USMCA greatly impacts markets, prices, and farm income. 

Agriculture organizations are joining forces to emphasize the importance of USMCA—The Agriculture Coalition for USMCA. Their message: Renewing this trilateral agreement with targeted adjustments will keep the American economy growing and provide long-term certainty for the U.S. food and agricultural value chain. 

Trade Certainty is the Foundation for Markets 

Mexico is the top export market for U.S. corn and Canada is the top export market for U.S. ethanol. Together, they support billions of dollars in annual agricultural trade and provide consistent demand that stabilize prices. 

Without trade certainty, markets become unpredictable leading to reduced demand and lower prices paid to farmers. This is why agriculture organizations are urging the Trump Administration to treat USMCA enforcement and renewal as priority for the agricultural economy. 

• 13 Million U.S. jobs supported by trade with Mexico and Canada 
• $1.49 Billion in economic output from agricultural and seafood exports to Mexico and Canada 
• 31% of U.S. trade-related rail traffic is tied to North America 
• Nearly 30% of global exports, goods, and services (GDP) is made up from the U.S., Mexico, and Canada 

GMO Restrictions and SPS Barriers 

Sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures are intended to protect human, animal, and plant health. GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) corn is critically important to modern agriculture, with over 90% of U.S. corn being genetically engineered for insect resistance and herbicide tolerance. When countries use SPS rules or GMO restrictions without scientific justification, trade slows or stops entirely. The U.S. used USMCA enforcement to overturn Mexico’s attempted restrictions on GM corn imports in 2023. 

Ethanol and Corn Co-Products 

USMCA protects market access for ethanol and distillers dried grains (DDGs). These products drive value for corn and support export demand. If USMCA weakens, farmers risk losing ethanol and DDGs demand. 

Why Enforcement and Renewal Matter 

USMCA is a critical agreement for agriculture to protect market access, stability, and farm income. As the 2026 review approaches, the Agriculture Coalition for USMCA has formed to ensure U.S. farmers can continue delivering food, fuel, and feed to critical markets with certainty.