USMCA and spuds
ISDA Director Celia Gould’s Statement on USMCA Implementation
“The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) goes into effect on July 1. This important trade agreement will provide additional market access for Idaho dairy, wheat, wine and other commodities to Canada and Mexico—our two largest export markets.
“At the same time we celebrate the USMCA, we also recognize the significant agricultural challenges in the U.S., Mexico and Canada due to the global pandemic. COVID-19 has impacted our workforce, commodity prices, and consumption patterns. In trying times, farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses look for opportunity, and that is exactly what USMCA affords us. The agreement will provide a needed measure of stability and economic growth for our producers and trade partners.
“USMCA is expected to create new agricultural market opportunities worth $450 million for U.S. exports. The agreement also modernizes sanitary and phytosanitary provisions that increase transparency and advance science-based decision-making.
“Trade is pivotal to Idaho’s prosperity. When the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went into effect, Idaho’s agricultural exports to Canada grew almost 290% and to Mexico nearly 1000%. The USMCA preserves crucial past successes and will serve as a roadmap for the future.”
Additional Trade Information
Canada is Idaho’s No. 1 export market. Idaho’s top agricultural exports to Canada (2019):
Live cattle
Dry beans
Baked goods
Fresh potatoes
Frozen French fries
Butter
Condiments
Canola seed
Mexico is Idaho’s No. 2 export market. Idaho’s top agricultural exports to Mexico:
Malt
Seed
Dairy (mostly cheese followed by milk powders)
Processed vegetables (mostly French fries)
Wheat
Fresh vegetables