By Jamie Martin
At a recent national planning conference, agricultural experts examined the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and its impact on North American meat and livestock trade. Speakers stressed that continued duty-free access for pork, beef, and lamb is essential for farm income, processing capacity, and long-term market stability.
Kenneth Smith Ramos, a former Mexican negotiator now working in trade consulting, shared how USMCA has benefited both U.S. and Mexican agriculture. “We see a complex USMCA review, but we do not see a scenario where there is an imminent collapse of the agreement,” said Kenneth. “There will be turbulence, but we do not see the plane crashing.”
Looking ahead, he expects the review to involve some debate but not threaten the existence of the agreement. He believes portions of USMCA may be revisited but emphasized that a major breakdown is unlikely. He compared the situation to turbulence on a flight, noting that challenges may arise but the agreement will continue forward.
Canadian trade specialist John Masswohl also offered insights. He highlighted how duty-free movement of livestock has created important efficiencies for processors and producers. In certain regions of the United States, Canadian cattle make up as much as 30% of the processing volume. Without these animals, several packing plants might not be able to operate effectively, leading to longer transport distances and higher production costs for American farmers.
“You have to ask yourself, if those [Canadian] cattle weren't coming into the U.S., what would the reality be?” said Masswohl. “Would there really be a need for two major packing plants in the Pacific Northwest? Would there be a need for a packing plant in Utah? In some of these areas, some years, up to 30% of the kill is Canadian cattle. If they don’t have those facilities, are livestock producers prepared to ship their animals many hundreds more miles to be processed?”
The session concluded with a shared message: maintaining a stable and cooperative USMCA is vital for the future of North American agriculture. Strong trade connections support rural communities, strengthen processing systems, and ensure reliable, affordable food supplies for consumers.
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Categories: National