USMCA Review in 2026 to Impact North American Dairy Trade
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is set for its first mandatory review in 2026, six years after it replaced NAFTA. According to Article 34.7 of the agreement, the member governments must assess its performance by July 1, 2026. This review offers the opportunity to extend the pact for another 16 years or consider changes to its terms.
Public consultations have begun across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The U.S. Trade Representative held a public hearing in December 2025, inviting input on the agreement's operation. Similar consultations were launched in Canada and Mexico to gather stakeholder feedback, shaping the governments' positions for the joint review.
The review is a focal point for agriculture sectors, including dairy, with U.S. dairy groups like the National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council pressing for stronger enforcement of market-access commitments. Concerns have been raised about Canada's supply management in dairy and other market-access barriers.
More than 120 U.S. agricultural groups have sent letters urging support for extending the pact with minimal changes, citing benefits such as expanded exports and integrated markets. As the July 2026 deadline approaches, the review's outcome could influence supply chains, tariff schedules, and regulatory cooperation.
