Agriculture and Manufacturing Leaders Urge Renewal of USMCA

Panelists highlight how the trade agreement supports American jobs and strengthens North American supply chains

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:59am

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Leaders from the agriculture, manufacturing, and technology sectors convened in Washington to emphasize the importance of renewing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as the landmark trade deal approaches its formal review period. Speakers underscored how the trilateral agreement supports American jobs, strengthens North American supply chains, and helps U.S. industries compete globally.

Why it matters

The USMCA has been a critical framework for American agriculture, manufacturing, and other industries, providing certainty and stability for businesses across sectors. As the agreement enters its review period, renewing and strengthening the trilateral trade deal is seen as vital for supporting jobs, investment, and economic growth throughout the United States.

The details

The panel discussion, hosted by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC), featured speakers from the agriculture, manufacturing, and technology sectors, as well as a U.S. senator. They highlighted the broad economic impact of USMCA, noting how the agreement has strengthened North American trade and created greater certainty for businesses. The participants also discussed how the trilateral framework helps American companies compete globally while supporting jobs and investment throughout the United States.

  • The panel discussion took place on March 12, 2026.
  • USMCA is approaching its formal review period.

The players

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA)

A national organization representing corn farmers in the United States.

National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC)

A business association that advocates for open, rules-based trade policies and global engagement.

Senator Young

A U.S. senator who was the keynote speaker at the event.

Matt Frostic

A fifth-generation Michigan farmer and first vice president of the National Corn Growers Association.

Elizabeth Kosobucki

Director of trade policy strategy at Ford Motor Company.

Colton Hotary

Senior director of government and corporate affairs at LG.

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What they’re saying

“Working to improve and preserve USMCA is critical for Indiana's agricultural and manufacturing communities who rely on the certainty and stability of market access in North America.”

— Senator Young (americanagnetwork.com)

“USMCA has been incredibly important for farmers like me. Mexico and Canada are two of our most important export markets and the certainty this agreement provides allows farmers to plan, invest and continue feeding and fueling the world. As the agreement enters its review period, it's important that policymakers focus on strengthening what works so American agriculture and industry can continue to grow.”

— Matt Frostic, fifth-generation Michigan farmer and first vice president of the National Corn Growers Association (americanagnetwork.com)

“We are pleased to partner with NCGA to underscore that USMCA is critical for American workers across every sector, from farmer to plant operator. U.S. production and manufacturing rely on the indispensable inputs and efficiencies from our geographic allies. They are also our top customers; America exports more to Canada and Mexico than its next 8 export markets combined. We must prioritize these partnerships, restore predictability, and renew a trilateral USMCA.”

— Brad Wood, NFTC senior director and USMCA lead (americanagnetwork.com)

What’s next

The event is part of broader efforts by the Agricultural Coalition for USMCA to highlight the agreement's importance to American agriculture and ensure policymakers preserve and strengthen the trilateral trade framework.

The takeaway

The USMCA has been a critical trade agreement for supporting American jobs, strengthening North American supply chains, and helping U.S. industries compete globally. As the agreement enters its review period, renewing and enhancing the trilateral framework is seen as vital for businesses and workers across multiple sectors, from agriculture to manufacturing.