WCMA Applauds Signing of USMCA Trade Deal

The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) today commends President Trump’s signing of the bipartisan U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. WCMA members have long advocated for USMCA, which maintains tariff-free trade with Mexico, while increasing access to Canadian markets.

In 2018, U.S. dairy exports to Mexico were valued at $1.4 billion.  U.S. dairy product sales in Canada totaled $731 million that same year.  Together, the countries account for more than one-third of all U.S. dairy exports. Mexico previously passed the new trade deal in December, while Canada’s parliament is still in the ratification process. USMCA will not take effect until each nation has signed it into law.

WCMA Executive Director John Umhoefer issued this statement in response to today’s developments:

“Mexico and Canada are crucial trade partners for maintaining the strength of the U.S. dairy industry. The past few years of marketplace and trade instability created challenges for dairy farmers and processors. The signing of USMCA will allow our cheesemakers to reaffirm relationships with existing customers and gain new ground in the global marketplace.

“We are thankful that Congress and the Trump Administration recognized the importance of the new trade deal, and urge Canada to prioritize USMCA ratification, so all nations can reap the benefits of free-flowing trade.”