Trade relationships with Canada and Mexico have been a major topic of discussion this week within the U.S. Peanut Federation, as industry leaders stress the importance of maintaining strong export markets under the USMCA agreement. According to the federation, the agreement plays a critical role in supporting peanut farmers and the broader U.S. agricultural economy.
Peanuts are grown in 13 states across the country, and the United States ranks as the fourth-largest producer of peanuts globally. China leads global production, followed by India and Nigeria, with the U.S. close behind. While domestic demand remains strong, exports are a vital component of the industry’s overall success. Approximately 25 percent of total U.S. peanut production is exported each year, contributing significantly to farm income and economic stability.
Canada and Mexico stand out as the most important international buyers of U.S. peanuts and peanut products. Together, they represent the two largest export markets by a wide margin, accounting for approximately 53 percent of all U.S. peanut and peanut product exports worldwide. This concentration underscores how critical continued access to these markets is for U.S. producers, shellers, and processors.
Trade data further reinforces the value of these relationships. When comparing recent marketing years for peanut trade between the United States and Canada, the total trade value increased by approximately $241 million. That growth reflects an annual increase of about 1.8 percent. Looking at the same period the previous year, trade value was also up by roughly 1.78 percent, demonstrating steady and consistent growth in cross-border peanut trade.
The U.S. Peanut Federation notes that this level of stability and growth would be difficult to replicate in other markets. Maintaining predictable, rules-based trade under the USMCA agreement allows the peanut industry to plan for the future, invest in production and infrastructure, and remain competitive in the global marketplace.
For peanut farmers, the message is clear: continued access to the Canadian and Mexican markets is essential. Strong trade relationships help support prices, reduce market volatility, and ensure that U.S. peanuts remain a reliable supply for international customers. As discussions continue, the peanut industry remains firmly in support of the USMCA agreement and the critical role it plays in sustaining long-term growth and profitability for U.S. peanut producers.
Audio Reporting by Tyron Spearman for Southeast AgNet.