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USMEF: Protecting Mexico market a priority during USMCA review

The U.S. Meat Export Federation says the Trump administration’s announcement not to extend the USMCA didn’t come as a surprise.

But, Joe Schuele, senior vice president of communications, says there’s an opportunity to expand market access in Canada but any disruption with Mexico is problematic. “We’re moving a lot of product there now as center of the plate items. High quality items that are sold at retail and food service. We want that opportunity to continue that growth. That’s been really critical for us.”

He tells Brownfield beef is just as important. “It’s over a billion dollar a year market. We’re moving a lot of underutilized items there. It’s our largest market for beef variety meat. We move a lot of tripes, a lot lips, a lot of hearts and things like livers there.”

As for Canada, he says, it’s been an underrated market. “Especially on the pork side because Canadians like the U.S.-branded brat and sausages and products like that. We move a lot of those products into Canada. On the beef side, it’s ready-to-eat meals with beef as an ingredient.”

In a release, the United States Trade Representative’s Office says it did not renew the trilateral deal in its current form and will continue negotiating with both countries. The agreement expires in 2036 if the countries agree not to extend it.

Schuele says there are other issues unrelated to USMCA that need to be addressed in the near term like Mexico’s pork offal restrictions.

Joe Schuele: