Cargill considered North America’s agri-food supply chain to be successful as a result of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). 

This US company has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of regional integration, and its position on the matter is part of a letter it sent to the White House Trade Representative (USTR) as part of the consultation process for the review of the USMCA in July 2026.

Agri-food supply chain

Cargill stated that the agreement has maintained the free movement of agricultural products. It also pointed out that this openness allows US producers to reach key markets and a growing customer base in Mexico and Canada.

In its view, this flow has boosted the income and stability of farmers in the United States. It added that it has also reduced costs for businesses and consumers in the country.

Cargill emphasized that the USMCA confirms the value of having strong trade frameworks. This, it said, facilitates the resolution of disputes between partners.

Cargill is a global, family-owned agribusiness company based in Minnesota. It employs 155,000 people worldwide. It also connects U.S. farmers to more than 125 international markets.

In the United States, the company has invested $24 billion. It has done so in 39 states and 220 communities. It also employs 37,000 people and works with 54,000 farmers and ranchers every day.

SPS

Cargill believes that sanitary and phytosanitary measures reaffirm the need for science-based policies. It also pointed out that these standards promote regulatory convergence, support modernization, and prevent U.S. agricultural exports from facing arbitrary or non-transparent barriers.

“The U.S. government’s action on SPS issues—such as combating the New World corn borer to curb disease—shows the importance of protecting animal health without hindering trade,” the company said.

Therefore, Cargill added, ongoing dialogue on these issues remains key. It also argued that these discussions strengthen food safety and regional food security.

The USDA restricted cattle imports from Mexico for health reasons. The measure took effect on November 22, 2024, after the New World screwworm was detected in Chiapas.

Imports then resumed on February 1, 2025, under a new protocol. However, volumes fell sharply. By mid-March, only 68% of the previous year’s weekly flow had been recovered. Furthermore, on May 11, 2025, imports were suspended again due to new findings of the parasite in southern Mexico.

For Cargill, modernized border procedures have reduced time and costs for exporters. While acknowledging that there is still room for improvement, he stressed that these advances primarily benefit small and medium-sized producers. This, he said, allows them to remain competitive in a demanding market.