US Peanut Federation Urges Congress to Protect USMCA Trade Agreement
The U.S. Peanut Federation (USPF), representing the interests of peanut shellers, buying points, and growers across key producing regions, is actively petitioning Congress to ensure the stability and continuation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA).
Maintaining robust trade relationships with Mexico and Canada under the USMCA framework is deemed critical for the long-term viability and sustainability of the entire U.S. peanut industry.
The industry is currently facing challenges in other major international markets. Notably, export volume to the European Union (EU) has declined significantly due to the continued imposition of non-tariff trade barriers (NTBs) on U.S. peanuts.
Therefore, the increased stability and predictability of peanut exports to Mexico and Canada have become absolutely vital to the future health of the industry. The USMCA provides a crucial, rules-based foundation for this success.
Key components of the USMCA that benefit the U.S. peanut sector include:
- Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures: These provide a clear structure for health and safety standards related to food trade.
- Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT): The TBT provisions help reduce unnecessary regulatory differences that impede market access.
- Customs Facilitation: The agreement streamlines customs procedures, making the process of exporting more efficient.
These provisions collectively establish an essential rules-based structure that facilitates greater exports in the global marketplace, safeguarding the livelihoods of American peanut farmers and ensuring the industry remains competitive.
Audio Reporting by Tyron Spearman for Southeast AgNet.