If finalized, deal could build momentum for more U.S. trade agreements in key global dairy markets.
U.S. Dairy Export Council President and CEO Tom Vilsack praised a Tuesday announcement that the White House and Congress have reached a deal on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
“Washington has worked hard to make USMCA an even better deal for America’s dairy farmers and exporters,” Vilsack said in a joint news release with the National Milk Producers Federation. “Now we are counting on Congress to move expeditiously to pass USMCA and usher in its significant improvements to trade rules.”
USMCA makes important changes to Canada’s trade-distorting policies, reforms Canada’s controversial dairy pricing system and provides exclusive access to the Canadian market for U.S. farmers and manufacturers.
The trade deal also strengthens the U.S. dairy industry’s relationship with Mexico and establishes new protections for common cheese names, using a combination of approaches to protect the continued use of a number of generic cheese terms, such as parmesan and feta.
Important advancements made during negotiations between lawmakers and the White House included an enhanced Dispute Settlement process for enforcing the agreement’s measures.
This stronger enforcement mechanism gives the dairy industry greater assurance that USMCA’s gains will be fully realized.
“Finalizing USMCA will bolster international confidence in the U.S. as a serious negotiating partner and build momentum for other trade agreements in key markets abroad,” said Vilsack. “Without this crucial trade agreement, Made-in-America dairy and agriculture products could be left behind in the new year.”
Learn more:
- U.S. Dairy Industry Commends Breakthrough on USMCA, Urges Swift Passage of Deal
- Dairy Leaders Join Agriculture Groups at Capitol to Underscore Importance of USMCA
- U.S. dairy farmers praise the power of collaboration in Mexico
- 5 compelling economic facts about U.S. dairy exports to Mexico (charts)
- Vilsack testifies on USMCA’s dairy benefits at U.S. Senate hearing
- Vilsack: Bring USMCA “Across the Finish Line”
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