By Blake Jackson
Support for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement remained strong during a June 10 House Agriculture Committee hearing, where lawmakers and industry representatives underscored the value of stable trade relationships ahead of the agreement's scheduled July 1 review.920.
Agricultural organizations and export groups argued that maintaining access to Canadian and Mexican markets is vital for U.S. producers.
Committee discussions centered on expanding exports while avoiding unnecessary disruptions that could create uncertainty for farmers and agribusinesses.
Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE-2) defended targeted trade measures but rejected broader tariff policies, stating, “Republicans have long supported pinpointed tariffs if someone is treating us unfairly. We don’t support global tariffs. Free trade is best for consumers.”
The bipartisan tone continued as Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) emphasized the importance of international markets, said, “Strong and predictable export environments are critical for farmers and producers.”
Witnesses pointed to current challenges affecting trade, including retaliatory tariffs, restrictions on Mexican cattle imports due to screwworm concerns, and Section 232 steel and aluminum duties. Even with those issues, most agricultural goods continue to cross North American borders without tariffs.
Neil Herrington, representing the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, argued that tariff-free commerce benefits businesses across multiple industries.
Herrington stated, “Duty free trade has served us well, and the Chamber is clearly against Section 232 tariffs – especially aluminum – which are damaging to businesses and manufacturers, and food packaging.”
Many lawmakers expressed concern that shifting trade policies could create unnecessary volatility for exporters and farmers who depend on reliable international markets.
Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH-11) remarked, "We should strive for policies that maintain stable markets for farmers, and support domestic production."
Brown also urged policymakers to strengthen domestic agriculture through the agreement, saying the country should “make sure USMCA helps domestic food production instead of shipping production overseas. We should think about USMCA not just as a trade agreement, but also as a national security strategy.”
The upcoming July 1 review allows the United States, Mexico, and Canada to evaluate the agreement and decide whether to renew it for another 16 years or begin annual reviews that could eventually lead to its expiration in 2036.
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Categories: National