Trade
Former US Trade Representative Bob Lighthizer says Mexico, not Canada, will be the biggest test in USMCA talks, citing trade deficits. That’s as agriculture leaders push to protect billions in North American trade.
The question facing U.S. agriculture is whether current farm aid is a bridge through temporary hardship — or a pier toward more structural government support.
At the Iowa Economic Summit, former USTR Bob Lighthizer warned farmers that China’s soy and meat buying is a short-term play, urging producers to “take off the rose-colored glasses” regarding long-term export risk.
The full restoration of market access allows a massive backlog of ‘pipeline’ products to finally reach Mexican consumers.
Despite the 2020 Phase One agreement, domestic subsidies and strict residue requirements in China continue to prevent U.S. producers from reaching their full export potential.
A Canadian ag policy leader says annual USMCA reviews could slow investment across North America but sees an opportunity for the U.S. and Canada to reach a win-win on dairy.
The U.S. lets the 16-year USMCA extension deadline pass, opting for rolling annual talks. Experts break down what this means for “predictability” and the leverage needed for disputes.
The move will start a six-year review period as the U.S. pushes for stricter automotive content rules in negotiations with Mexico.
Although some offal shipments to Mexico have resumed, restrictions on product from Iowa and Texas remain in place and source verification requirements create obstacles for shipments from other states.
Pork industry leaders say demand remains strong heading into grilling season, driven by growing global protein consumption and resilient export markets, even as consumers face rising financial pressure and tighter household budgets.
A new Purdue University report highlights how North American trade agreements lower food costs by approximately 7% for U.S. households.
USMCA is essential for securing multi-billion dollar trade relationships and maintaining the cross-border collaboration necessary to combat foreign animal diseases.
The industry is looking toward cultural authenticity and convenient products such as ground pork to capture younger consumers and provide the consistent eating experiences needed for long-term growth.
NPPC leaders at World Pork Expo detail how proactive engagement and science-based policy work secure critical legislative wins and regulatory relief for the pork industry.
The National Pork Producers Council is calling for the removal of non-tariff barriers and the enforcement of “reasonable and equitable” treatment for U.S. pork exports as Congress prepares to renew the African trade agreement.
Rising input costs and geopolitical tensions drive growing pessimism among ag economists, though views differ on how the industry is being reshaped, according to the latest Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor.
A new reciprocal trade agreement with Ecuador is set to transform a minimal market into a promising opportunity for U.S. beef and pork producers.
Mexico has launched two aggressive investigations into imports of U.S. hams and shoulders. NPPC’s Maria Zieba breaks down the evidence, the potential for summer tariffs, and why the U.S. industry is preparing for a long fight to protect its most vital export market.
As the high-stakes July review approaches, agriculture and business groups call for a long-term renewal of the USMCA to ensure market predictability and protect billions in U.S. exports.
Ambassador Julie Callahan outlines a transactional approach to global trade, targeting market access and regulatory reform
In a major decision, the Supreme Court rules President Trump exceeded his authority by imposing tariffs using national emergency laws.
New trade agreement with Taiwan eliminates barriers and expands market access for U.S. beef and pork exports.
During his trip to Clive, Iowa, Trump reaffirms support for year-round E15, backing corn growers and ethanol, while announcing John Deere’s expansion of two new domestic production and distribution facilities.
The December Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor shows the farm economy will likely stay strained into 2026. As crops face tight margins, biofuels policy — especially E15 and biomass-based diesel — could influence recovery.
2026 will have USDA’s trade team in Indonesia, Philippines, Turkey, Australia and New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam
How will the USTR’s recent announcement that the U.S. will impose tariffs on all imported Nicaraguan goods not originating under the CAFTA-DR impact U.S. pork exports?
U.S. agricultural exporters depend on the binding nature of USMCA provisions to access its closest markets and make sales, lawmakers wrote in a letter to Ambassador Greer.