North American fertilizer industry supports USMCA deal

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) and Fertilizer Canada welcome Tuesday's announcement of a bipartisan agreement on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This agreement, once ratified, will protect the interests of farm customers across North America who depend on cost-effective fertilizer products through an integrated supply chain within Canadian, American and Mexican markets.

Both TFI and Fertilizer Canada urge the swift passage of USMCA by the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, as well as the Canadian House of Commons and Senate. Ratification of the agreement will strengthen existing trading relationships by expanding market access for additional products, eliminating certain export penalties and market restrictions on products, and enhancing innovation by encouraging international cooperation on agricultural biotechnology.

"Mexico and Canada are two of the United States' biggest trading partners and together import over 60% of U.S. agricultural goods," said Lara Moody, Vice President of Stewardship and Sustainability at TFI. "Our nation's growers depend on free and fair access to markets to be able to compete on the global stage. The USMCA will ensure that markets with our strongest trading partners remain open and fair."

"Canada's fertilizer industry has benefitted from the stability and certainty of trade agreements," said Garth Whyte, President and CEO of Fertilizer Canada. "Access to the US and Mexico markets have contributed to growth and modernization of Canadian fertilizer production. Conversely, Canadian agri-retailers and farmers have benefited from access to quality United States fertilizer products. Continued access to free and fair markets will ensure a strong agricultural industry in North America."

The fertilizer industry faces strong competition for investment globally and the USMCA is an essential component in maintaining favorable economic conditions, contributing to the industry's continued success in the years to come.