The United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) is facing its first six-year joint review on July 1, 2026, which could determine whether it is extended for another 16 years or enters a new phase.

The Meat Institute supports renewing USMCA for another 16-year term as provided under the agreement, while addressing any issues through existing consultative mechanisms rather than renegotiation. The Meat Institute also supports the preservation of common meat product names. Testifying before the House Committee on Agriculture, Michael Schumpp, senior director of international affairs, called on Congress to work with the current administration to preserve the agreement and avoid disruptive renegotiation.

“USMCA is the gold standard for trade agreements and a cornerstone of the American meat industry’s success,” said Schumpp. “Maintaining its stability and market access is critical to farmers, ranchers, processors, and rural communities across the United States.”

Highlights from Schumpp's testimony are listed below.

Economic growth and job creation

The US meat and poultry industry is a major economic engine, contributing $57.3 billion in value added, nearly 584,000 jobs and $311 billion in total output. When accounting for broader supply chain effects, the industry supports more than 3.2 million jobs and generates $911.7 billion in economic activity nationwide.

Exports are vital to this success, with more than $23 billion in meat and poultry exports in 2025 alone. Canada and Mexico accounted for approximately $8 billion of that total, underscoring their importance as top trading partners. Overall, exports account for roughly 14% of US beef production, 15% of poultry, and 25% of pork.

“International trade is essential to the long-term viability of US meat and poultry production,” Schumpp said. “With 95 percent of consumers living outside the United States, maintaining strong export markets is not optional—it’s necessary.”

Canada and Mexico

Canada and Mexico rank among the most important export destinations for US meat products:

• Mexico is the leading market for US pork and poultry and a top market for beef, with exports totaling billions annually. 
• Canada remains a top destination for processed pork products and a significant market for beef and poultry.

These markets add substantial value to US production. In 2025, exports to Canada and Mexico contributed approximately $28 per hog and a significant share of the value per head of cattle.

The integrated North American supply chain—facilitated by USMCA—supports over $16 billion in annual cross-border trade in livestock and meat products. The Meat Institute finds that this integration enhances supply chain resilience, stabilizes food prices and strengthens food security.

Preserving market access

Schumpp warned that weakening or reopening the agreement could jeopardize US competitiveness:

“USMCA ensures duty-free access and reduces regulatory barriers that would otherwise disadvantage American producers. Walking away from or undermining the agreement would risk lost market share to global competitors such as the European Union, Brazil, and China.”

He emphasized that the agreement’s strong sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) and technical standards provisions provide predictability and minimize trade disputes, allowing US exporters to operate with fewer barriers than in other global markets.

Integrated supply chains

USMCA also supports the free flow of livestock and meat products across borders, which helps stabilize domestic supply and prices. Imports of live cattle and hogs from Canada and Mexico complement US production and sustain processing capacity, particularly during periods of domestic herd contraction.

In addition, these integrated supply chains support related industries, including grain and feed production, transportation, and manufacturing.

Beyond economics, Schumpp highlighted USMCA as a key component of national security. Strong trade relationships with Canada and Mexico reduce dependence on less reliable trading partners and provide a strategic counterbalance to geopolitical competitors.

“North American integration strengthens our ability to withstand global disruptions while ensuring a stable, secure food supply,” Schumpp said.

Source: Meat Institute