News

IATP: USMCA review an opportunity to strengthen the North American food supply chain

The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy says the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement should focus on implementing long-term strategies to help strengthen the food supply chain.

Karen Hansen-Kuhn is the director of trade and international strategies, says the three countries should be working together to help stabilize the marketplace.

“Canada’s Dairy Supply Management Program is one example,” she says. “It balances the supply and demand of dairy to keep prices fair for consumers and farmers. It is supported by trade restrictions, quotas and tariffs that keep it from being undermined by a flood of imports from the United States.”

During a recent IATP webinar, Hansen-Kuhn said the organization is conducting research to better understand the dynamics of U.S. agricultural trade.

“What are we really trading in terms of agricultural goods? Is it food who’s producing it and think through? Particular questions, for example, in the US, we have a deficit in agricultural trade, it’s mostly fruits and vegetables. What would it take to change that dynamic?”

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative recently held three days of public hearings to hear input from several stakeholders about the importance of the agreement. 

The mandatory review of the USMCA is set to begin in July 2026.