What's Happening?
More than 80 Canadian agriculture and agri-food organizations, including key aquaculture bodies, have signed an open letter urging the Canadian government to support a full 16-year renewal of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The signatories
emphasize the agreement's role in creating an integrated North American agricultural market, with trilateral trade estimated at CAD 400 billion in 2023. They argue that predictable market access and common rules have driven investment and growth across farming, processing, and export sectors. The letter highlights the importance of CUSMA provisions on sanitary and phytosanitary measures, biotechnology, technical barriers to trade, and dispute settlement as critical for maintaining access to the US and Mexican markets.
Why It's Important?
The renewal of CUSMA is crucial for maintaining a stable and predictable trading environment that supports investment in agriculture and aquaculture. The agreement's provisions help resolve trade barriers that could otherwise disrupt market stability, ensuring continued growth and competitiveness in North American agriculture. A full renewal without harmful changes is essential for preserving the rules-based trading environment that businesses rely on for investment in capacity, innovation, and job creation. The outcome of this renewal process will significantly impact food security, rural economies, and the overall competitiveness of North American agriculture.
What's Next?
As the agreement approaches its first formal review window, stakeholders are advocating for a full 16-year renewal to maintain the benefits of the current trade framework. The Canadian government will need to consider the input from these organizations as it navigates the renewal process. The outcome will depend on negotiations between Canada, the US, and Mexico, with potential implications for agricultural trade policies and market access.
