As the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement enters its formal review period this year, agricultural leaders are pointing to new data showing just how critical the trade pact has become for rural America.
According to a new economic analysis released by the Agricultural Coalition for USMCA, agricultural and seafood exports to Canada and Mexico generated $149 billion in total economic output, supporting nearly 500,000 American jobs and $36 billion in wages.
Since replacing North American Free Trade Agreement in 2020, USMCA has governed nearly $1.9 trillion in annual goods and services trade across North America. For agriculture specifically, Canada and Mexico account for more than $60 billion in U.S. farm exports, representing nearly one-third of all American agricultural exports.
Every dollar in agricultural exports under USMCA generates an additional $2.45 in economic activity in the United States, the analysis found. Overall, USMCA-related agricultural trade contributes $64 billion to U.S. GDP and supports $13 billion in tax revenue at the federal, state, and local levels.
“Our analysis shows that USMCA is a powerful driver for employment, investment, and long-term competitiveness in the U.S. agricultural sector,” said Krista Swanson, chief economist for the National Corn Growers Association. “While the agreement is due for a few targeted improvements, overall, it is critical to the farm economy and a key part of rural America’s resilience — particularly during tough economic times like we are in now.”
Commodity groups highlight real gains
Farm and commodity leaders say the numbers reflect real-world growth across sectors.
Fresh produce exports have surged since the agreement took effect. According to Alexis Taylor, chief global policy officer for the International Fresh Produce Association, U.S. fresh fruit export values have increased 34 percent, while vegetable exports have grown 14 percent under USMCA.
“These gains highlight the tangible value USMCA delivers across the fresh produce supply chain,” Taylor said.
Dairy leaders echoed that message, pointing to Mexico as a top-tier customer.
“Mexico is a very lucrative market for America’s dairy farmers, and Canada represents important export sales and growth opportunities as well,” said Shawna Morris, executive vice president for trade policy and global affairs at the National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Dairy Export Council. “USMCA is vital to our ability to trade with both partners.”
Under the agreement’s terms, the United States, Canada, and Mexico must begin a formal review process by July. The three countries will determine whether to renew the agreement as written, update it, terminate it, or move to annual consultations.
The Agricultural Coalition for USMCA — which represents farmers, ranchers, processors, exporters, and state agricultural leaders — is urging policymakers to renew the agreement while making targeted improvements to strengthen enforcement and long-term certainty.
Coalition leaders argue that stability is especially important as farmers face ongoing economic pressure from high input costs, volatile markets, and global competition.
With 13 million American jobs supported by trade with Canada and Mexico and roughly 31 percent of U.S. trade-related rail traffic tied to North American flows, the coalition says maintaining efficient cross-border movement of goods is critical.
