National Corn Growers Association Calls for Full Renewal of USMCA to Protect Corn Trade
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is urging the full 16-year renewal of the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), emphasizing its essential role in supporting and expanding U.S. corn exports across North America. The organization submitted comments to the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) outlining the agreement’s importance to the corn industry and the broader agricultural economy.
“Without a doubt, USMCA has successfully contributed to the expansion of agricultural exports and has enormously benefited American corn growers. U.S. corn growers rely on the North American railroad system, which allows U.S. corn to be competitive against South American producers,” said NCGA President Jed Bower.
Since taking effect on July 1, 2020, the USMCA has provided a stable trade framework that has fueled steady growth in U.S. corn and ethanol exports to both Mexico and Canada—the two largest and most critical markets for U.S. producers. The NCGA says the agreement has also strengthened transportation and logistics integration through the North American rail system, which enhances U.S. competitiveness in global grain markets.
According to the NCGA, the leaders of all three USMCA countries must begin a review process by July 2026 to determine whether to extend the trade pact for another full term.
“The leaders from all three countries must consider whether to extend the USMCA and are required to begin the review by July 2026. If they fail to extend the agreement, it will automatically expire in 2036 and annual reviews could commence.”
Bower stressed that the NCGA is focused on ensuring a swift and successful extension of the agreement, warning against any political or trade disruptions that could jeopardize its continuation.
“Bower said he is most focused on a swift and successful extension of the agreement, cautioning against any efforts that could result in termination.”
The NCGA also pointed to the USMCA’s dispute settlement process as a vital tool in defending U.S. agricultural interests. The organization successfully leveraged this mechanism after Mexico’s 2023 presidential decree banning genetically modified corn for human consumption and phasing out its use in animal feed—actions that violated USMCA provisions.
“USMCA provides the means to address actions that violate USMCA’s provisions through its dispute settlement and resolution process, which the U.S. corn industry successfully leveraged after Mexico issued a 2023 presidential decree that banned genetically modified corn for human consumption and phased out its use in animal feed.”
By renewing USMCA in full, the NCGA believes the U.S. can safeguard export growth, maintain trade certainty, and continue benefiting from mutual cooperation among North American partners. The association views the agreement as critical to the long-term competitiveness and economic stability of U.S. corn growers.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.