By Jamie Martin
A coalition of U.S. dairy organizations is encouraging the federal government to take firm steps to ensure that dairy commitments under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement are honored. Their support follows a bipartisan letter from 74 House lawmakers urging the administration to address implementation problems during the USMCA 2026 Joint Review.
The National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council praised the lawmakers’ efforts, stating that the letter brings needed attention to challenges that continue to affect dairy market access in Canada and Mexico. They emphasized that the upcoming review is a key chance to strengthen trade outcomes for U.S. producers.
One major concern is Canada’s approach to allocating dairy tariff rate quotas. The letter explains that Canada has used methods that restrict effective access for U.S. dairy products, despite commitments made under USMCA. These actions limit the agreement’s intended benefits for American farmers.
Another issue involves Mexico’s responsibility to fully adopt the protections for common cheese names that were part of the trade agreement. These protections are important for preventing unfair labeling restrictions and for supporting U.S. cheese exports.
Dairy leaders stressed that the success of USMCA depends on all partners respecting their commitments. “USMCA raised the standard for what a trade agreement could be and promised new opportunities for U.S. dairy farmers,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “Unfortunately, the Canadian government has continued to evade its dairy trade obligations, and U.S. dairy farmers are not seeing the full benefits USMCA intended. We commend Representatives Tenney, DelBene, Wied, and Costa for championing this effort and working with the Administration to hold our trading partners accountable.”
“Our industry thrives when trade agreements deliver real results for the people they are meant to support,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “Representatives Tenney, DelBene, Wied, and Costa are standing up for our dairy producers and processors by ensuring our trading partners honor their trade obligations. We are grateful for their leadership and for their commitment to securing the full benefits of USMCA for U.S. dairy. USDEC is committed to working closely with both Congress and the Administration to address these dairy issues as the USMCA Review moves forward.”
Last year, dairy exports to Mexico and Canada totaled more than $3.6 billion, representing 44% of all U.S. dairy export value. USMCA ensured continued duty-free access to Mexico and aimed to expand opportunities in Canada, but dairy groups say progress has been uneven.
As the Joint Review approaches, dairy organizations believe that addressing these issues will help support trade fairness, protect jobs, and provide long-term certainty for American dairy farmers.
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