USMCA Review Draws Opposition from Cattle Trade Group, Support from House Agriculture Committee

President Donald Trump indicated he may not renew the United States‑Mexico‑Canada Agreement (USMCA) ahead of its July 1 review. In response, R‑CALF USA, the nation’s largest producer‑only cattle trade association, released a statement criticizing the pact, noting that it made no changes to cattle and beef trade but has contributed to a large trade deficit and a decline in U.S. cattle farms. The group highlighted a 63% increase in beef imports from Mexico and Canada since NAFTA and said it “fully supports President Trump’s decision not to renew the USMCA.”

Meanwhile, the House Agriculture Committee held a hearing on June 10 where members showed near‑unanimous support for the USMCA. Witnesses from the Meat Institute, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other agribusiness groups emphasized the importance of duty‑free market access and exports. Republican Rep. Don Bacon said, “Free trade is best for consumers,” while Democrat Rep. Shontel Brown urged that the agreement “help domestic food production instead of shipping production overseas.” The committee’s discussion focused on maintaining stable trade policies, addressing concerns about high import flows, and considering the USMCA as part of a national‑security strategy. The agreement’s review determines whether it will be extended for another 16 years or move to annual reviews, potentially expiring in 2036.