USTR: Request for Comments on the Operation of the Agreement between the United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada (November 3, 2025)

FMI and the food industry share the Administration’s commitment to strengthening the American economy, creating good-paying jobs, and ensuring the safety, health, and affordability of the U.S. food supply. Since coming into force in 2020, USMCA has been an important tool for achieving these goals by increasing regional integration, opening new markets for U.S. producers and manufacturers, and creating a science-based regulatory consistency that provides a stable business environment. The Agreement maintained highly beneficial existing relationships with the U.S.’s largest food and agricultural trading partners, while modernizing a number of provisions to reflect current business models and approaches. By virtually any measure, the USMCA is one of the most important trade agreements ever negotiated.

November 3, 2025 Re: Request for Comments on the Operation of the Agreement between the United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada; Docket No. USTR-2025-0004 Submitted electronically via USTR Comments Portal Mr. Daniel Watson Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for the Western Hemisphere Office of the United States Trade Representative 600 17th Street NW Washington, DC 20508 Dear Mr. Watson: Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Operation of the Agreement Between the United States of America, the United Mexican State, and Canada (USMCA). FMI – the Food Industry Association strongly encourages the United States to confirm its intention to extend the term of the Agreement for another 16 years when the formal joint review process begins in July 2026. As the food industry association, FMI works with and on behalf of the entire industry to advance a safer, healthier, and more efficient consumer food supply chain. FMI brings together a wide range of members across the value chain — from retailers that sell to consumers, to producers and manufacturers that supply food and other products, as well as the wide variety of companies providing critical services — to amplify the collective work of the industry. More information about our organization is available at www.FMI.org. FMI and the food industry share the Administration’s commitment to strengthening the American economy, creating good-paying jobs, and ensuring the safety, health, and affordability of the U.S. food supply. Since coming into force in 2020, USMCA has been an important tool for achieving these goals by increasing regional integration, opening new markets for U.S. producers and manufacturers, and creating a science-based regulatory consistency that provides a stable business environment. The Agreement maintained highly beneficial existing relationships with the U.S.’s largest food and agricultural trading partners, while modernizing a number of provisions to reflect November 3, 2025 current business models and approaches. By virtually any measure, the USMCA is one of the most important trade agreements ever negotiated. Re: Request for Comments on the Operation of the Agreement between the The United States’ Food System is Oriented Towards Domestic Production; Canada United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada; Docket No. and Mexico Play an Important Supplementary Role USTR-2025-0004 While there has been a significant focus on the role of imports in the U.S. economy, many Americans do not recognize that the vast majority of the food they eat is of U.S. Submitted electronically via USTR Comments Portal origin. Domestic growth and production of agriculture and food products underpin and drive the United States’s food system. In 2023, the United States Department of Mr. Daniel Watson Agriculture (USDA) found that domestic production accounted for 85 percent of every Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for the Western Hemisphere 1 dollar spent on food and beverages in the U.S. Because of this. the food supply chain Office of the United States Trade Representative contributed more than $1.5 trillion to U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) and accounted 600 17th Street NW 2 for 10.4 percent of employment. Washington, DC 20508 Imports do play an important supplementary role in the U.S. food system. Canada and Dear Mr. Watson: Mexico are significant suppliers of agricultural goods, particularly during the shoulder season when U.S. product is not ready or has already been harvested and brought to Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Operation of the Agreement Between market. Imports can also play an important role as inputs in U.S. manufacturing, helping the United States of America, the United Mexican State, and Canada (USMCA). FMI – the to support jobs and lower prices for American consumers. While there are obviously Food Industry Association strongly encourages the United States to confirm its intention trade tensions that can arise, Canadian and Mexican agriculture and food imports are to extend the term of the Agreement for another 16 years when the formal joint review largely complementary to U.S. production. As USDA explains, focusing on Mexico: process begins in July 2026. These imports are closely tied to a number of factors, including: Mexico’s As the food industry association, FMI works with and on behalf of the entire industry to accumulated knowledge…; the popularity in the United States of certain imports advance a safer, healthier, and more efficient consumer food supply chain. FMI brings from Mexico…; and Mexico’s growing seasons, which largely complement those together a wide range of members across the value chain — from retailers that sell to of the United States. For example, many types of produce that the United States consumers, to producers and manufacturers that supply food and other products, as 3 does not grow in winter are grown during that time in Mexico. well as the wide variety of companies providing critical services — to amplify the collective work of the industry. More information about our organization is available at www.FMI.org. 1 Quinton Baker and James Chandler Zachary, “Imports accounted for less than 20% of U.S. food and beverage spending in 2023,” USDA Charts of Note, May 15, 2025. Available at https://www.ers.usda.gov/data- FMI and the food industry share the Administration’s commitment to strengthening the products/charts-of-note/chart-detail?chartId=112543. American economy, creating good-paying jobs, and ensuring the safety, health, and 2 Steve Zahniser, “What is agriculture’s share of the overall U.S. economy?” December 19, 2024, and Kathleen affordability of the U.S. food supply. Since coming into force in 2020, USMCA has been Kassel, “Agriculture and its related industries provide 10.4 percent of U.S. employment”, November 3, 2023. Available at https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/ag-and-food-statistics-charting-the-essentials/ag-and-food- an important tool for achieving these goals by increasing regional integration, opening sectors-and-the-economy. new markets for U.S. producers and manufacturers, and creating a science-based 3 USMCA, Canada, & Mexico – Mexico: Trade & FDI, July 22, 2025. Available at regulatory consistency that provides a stable business environment. The Agreement https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/international-markets-us-trade/countries-regions/usmca-canada- mexico/mexico-trade-fdi. main The UStained MCA helpedhighly b enefdevelop this icial existing reintegration,lationships w which has bith the U.Senefit.’s larged not just U.est food anS. d businesseagricultural trads but U.ing S. copartners, whilnsumers in the fe modeorm ornizf a more ing a numbersecure of provissupply iochns to rain; yeefarlect -round November 3, 2025 avacurrilent abilbusity of iness modelin-demand fs and approood products; exposure aches. By virtuallto ney any meaw foods and food expsure, the USMCAer is one ofiences; 4 the and, in mamost importany casent trs, loadewer prices. agreements A recent Fever negotiated.MI white p aper focused on cucumber 5 pr oduction found that a shift away from supplementing U.S. production with imports Re: Request for Comments on the Operation of the Agreement between the would raise costs fThe United States’ Food Sor the consumeystem r. is OrCucumiented Towabers are trhds Domestic Pre seventh most popoductiular von; egCaetablnada e United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada; Docket No. in the countrand Mexico Play andy a reqn Importantuire specifi Supplementc growing conditiary Roleons, including direct sunlight and soil USTR-2025-0004 pH requirements tWhile there has behat len a signiimit pficant focus on the rroduction to specificol are of imeas of theport cous in thentry U.S, and onl. econy domy, uring many Americertain seasoncans do not rs. Due to the limecogniited ze that availtheabil vast majority ity and high coof thest of ag food thericultural lany eat is d, of U.S. Submitted electronically via USTR Comments Portal exoriginpanding . Domedomestic prstic growth and productionoduc woultiond lik ofel agy rericuquire ltureth and e use of food greenhouse oproducts underr pin and drcoive tntrollhe United Sted indoor eates’s fnvironmood sents. Grysteeem.nho In 2023,use grown cucu the United Statmberses De are signipartmficantly ent of more Mr. Daniel Watson Agrexpeicnsivulture e, p(Uriced aSDA) tfo $und that 3.43 per podomestic pround, comparductied to $1.on acc41 ounper ted fpound for 85 peror tradicent of tionally every Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for the Western Hemisphere 1 dollgrown cucar spenumbert on food as. Thernd beforeverage, a shes ift tin the U.So domesticall. Becausy proe oduced cucumbef this. the food suprs could reply chainsult in Office of the United States Trade Representative cosignintributeficant red moretail pr thanice inc $1re.5 traseils olion to U.Sn a nutritio. grus and oss domhighlesticy p produopularct (G conDP)sumer and aprccoducount. te d 600 17th Street NW 2 for 10.4 percent of employment. Washington, DC 20508 As USTR begins preparation for the Joint Review of the operation of the USMCA, FMI encouImports ragedos p thelay an importa negotiation to focus on maintant supplementary role in thining and e U.S.buil fding uood systpon theem. Ca Agreenada menand t’s Dear Mr. Watson: succMexicesso ar. Specifice signiallyficant : suppliers of agricultural goods, particularly during the shoulder sea son when U.S. product is not ready or has already been harvested and brought to Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Operation of the Agreement Between market. Impor• Declare thts can ae United Stalso play ates’ inten importntion to eant role as inputs xtend thin Ue term of the Agreement .S. manufacturing, helping the United States of America, the United Mexican State, and Canada (USMCA). FMI – the to suppforort j another 16 yearobs and lower prs. icFores f bor Amerusinessesica in the n consumefood sers. Whictor, one of tle there are obhe most viously Food Industry Association strongly encourages the United States to confirm its intention trade tensiimportons that ant commcan aroditieise, Cans neadian and Mexeded to conducict an agricoperationulture as is cernd ftaintyood im. A 16ports -year are to extend the term of the Agreement for another 16 years when the formal joint review largely coextemplementary to U.S.nsion will offer the reas productiosurances nen. As USDA expeded to promotlains, focusie inveng on Mestment in new xico: process begins in July 2026. facilities and expand job creation. • ThesContinue the 6e imports are -yeaclosr reely tview process establiied to a number of shefactors,d in th ince originaluding: Mel Agxicreement. o’s As the food industry association, FMI works with and on behalf of the entire industry to accThe umulatecurrent std knowledgeate of play in…; the the po global trpularity in the ading system (eUnited S.g.tat, the pes of aralysicertain ims of thpoe rts advance a safer, healthier, and more efficient consumer food supply chain. FMI brings frWorld Tom Mexiradcoe O…; and Mexicorganization) m’s gakes rowing sea regular casons, whiconsultath laive prgely comprocess essential to lement those together a wide range of members across the value chain — from retailers that sell to of themaintaini Uninteg ad States. For ex trade agreement ample,that r many teflectsypes of changi prng markeoduce that t realtheities. United States consumers, to producers and manufacturers that supply food and other products, as 3 • doesMainta not gin trohe w zeroin win-tater are grownriff status of USMCA during tha-eligit timble fe in Mexicoood and beve. rage well as the wide variety of companies providing critical services — to amplify the imports. As discussed, these imports from Canada and Mexico are collective work of the industry. More information about our organization is available at complementary with and contribute to U.S. production. Zero-tariff status helps www.FMI.org. create a consistent supply and is an important buffer against inflationary 1 Quinton Baker and James Chandler Zachary, “Imports accounted for less than 20% of U.S. food and beverage 6 pressures. spending in 2023,” USDA Charts of Note, May 15, 2025. Available at https://www.ers.usda.gov/data- FMI and the food industry share the Administration’s commitment to strengthening the products/charts-of-note/chart-detail?chartId=112543. American economy, creating good-paying jobs, and ensuring the safety, health, and 2 Steve Zahniser, “What is agriculture’s share of the overall U.S. economy?” December 19, 2024, and Kathleen 4 affordability of the U.S. food supply. Since coming into force in 2020, USMCA has been Kasse FMI represl, “Agrientculture ans the lard gely its recolatensumerd indu-facistriengs provi portion ode 10.4f the percenU.S. food supt of U.S.pl employmy chain –e retaint”, Novemlers and prodber 3, uct 2023. suppAvailableliers. F at or htftps://wwwarmers, ranc.erhes.usda.govrs, and foo/dad tam-anuproducts/facturerags-, UandSM-fooCA dh-statias hestlped ics-chopenartin and g-thexpand exe-essentialports/ag mar-andkets i-foodn - an important tool for achieving these goals by increasing regional integration, opening sectorsCanada an-andd M-thexie-econco thaomt hy. av e become crucial outlets for their products. new markets for U.S. producers and manufacturers, and creating a science-based 53 AvaiUSMCA, Canlable at htada,tps://www & Mexic.fmio – .org/Mexicino: Trdustradey-t & opics/FDI,f Julyact- 22,sheet/reshori 2025. Avainlablg-productie at on--a-look-at-cucumbers. 6 regulatory consistency that provides a stable business environment. The Agreement http FMs:I and its m//www.ersem.usda.gbers areov/ patopics/rticularinternatioly grateful thnal-marat tketshe Adm-us-trade/inistraticountrion has maies-regintaineons/usmd the zeroca-canad-taria-ff status of USMCmexico/A-meeligiblxicoe prod-tradeuc-fdits. as part of the President’s IEEPA tariffs. mainThe •US tained Continue the scieMCA helpedhighly b enefdevelop this icnceial existing re-based fintegrocus oation,lationships w wf the SPhich has bith tS agrhe U.Senefeemeit.’s largednt n –ot just U. The Uest food anSMCA S. d businesseagricultural tradchaps but U.ter on ing S.Sanitary copartners, whilnsumers and Phytosain the fe modeorm onitaryrnizf a more ing a number Measuress createcure of provissuped iply mportaiochns to rain;nt yereefargulatorylect -round November 3, 2025 cuavarrilent absafilbusity of eginess modeluarinds-de that mand frequis and approood pre the roducts; exposure usaches.e of sound scienc By virtuallto ney ae any meaw nd lafoods and food expsurys out a ree, the USgulatedMCAer is one ofienc proces; ess 4 the and, in mamost importarequirinny caseg partynt trs, loade input ower prices. agren deements ciA rsionecent Fever negotiated.s arounMI wd rhite isk analysis and managp aper focused on cucement. It is, in umber 5 pr oducmantiony w found that a shift ays, a model for acreatiway frng aom sup crossplementing U.S.-border consiste productioncy that rn with iaises the mports Re: Request for Comments on the Operation of the Agreement between the would raise costs fThe United Stastandards tes’ Food Sof all the subject paor the consumeystem r. is OrCucumrties.iented Towa bers are trhds Domestic Pre seventh most popoductiular von; egCaetablnada e United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada; Docket No. in the countrand Mex• Maintaico Play in tandy ahe reqn Idisputmportantuire spee settlement mcifi Supplementc growing conditiecharanism in the Ay Roleons, including diregreemect sunlnt. The ight and soil USTR-2025-0004 pH requirements tWhile timhere has bportance of ehat len a signihaving imit pficant focus on the rrodua formal mction to echanispecificsm ol ar–e of im easone that of theport c cous in theannot bentry U.S, and onl bloc. econked by domy, y auring certmany Ameriain seasonsinglecans do not r-subject ps. Due to tarthe limecogniy – is an eited ze that avassentiltheabial cil vast majority ity and omponehigh nt of procoof thest of agmoti food thering invcultural lany esteatment a is d, of U.Snd . Submitted electronically via USTR Comments Portal exoriginpanding . Domecreating a systedomestic prstic growtm foh and producr tionordoduce wrly roultioned liksoluti ofel agy ron to confericuquire lturethli and e uscts that e of food can move greenhouse oproducts more underr quicpin ankly d drcoive tntrollhthan nege United Sted indoor eotiatioates’s fnvirns.onm ood sents. Grysteeem.nho In 2023,use grown cucu the United Statmberses De are signipartmficantly ent of more Mr. Daniel Watson Agrexpeicnsivulture e, p(Uriced aSDA) tfo $und that 3.43 per podomestic pround, comparductied to $1.on acc41 ounper ted fpound for 85 peror tradicent of tionally every Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for the Western Hemisphere 1 dollgrThe own cucarfive ar speneumbert on fas listeood as. Thd abernd bove aeforeverage, re ea shsses ift tential to maintainiin the U.So domesticall. Becausy png theroe oduced cucumbef efficacthis. they of food sup thers USM could replCA ay chainsult innd Office of the United States Trade Representative cosignicontributentinuing the ficant red moretail printegra thanice itionnc $1re.5 tr and aseils olion to U.Sdevelopment on a nutritio. grus and oss df marketsomhighlest icin North Ay p produopularct (G conmerica. TherDP)sumer and aprcce are, oducount. te d 600 17th Street NW 2 for howev 10.4 er, sperevcent of eral areaems wployment.here change s could improve the Agreement: Washington, DC 20508 As USTR begins preparation for the Joint Review of the operation of the USMCA, FMI Imports encou1. raStreagedos p themlinelay an importa neg/simplotiation to focus on maintaifynt the suppprocesslementa for declary role in thining and ring oe U.S.rigbuilin fding uood syst. Whilpon thee dem. Caeclaring origin Agreenada menand t’s Dear Mr. Watson: succMexicesso arfor. Specific fe ood is signiallyficant ge: neralsupply a lierstrs oaightfof agricurward pltural goods, particurocess (an avocado is flarly during the rom Mexshoulico or dethe r sea son whUnited en U.States not from a series S. product is not ready oof r cohasuntries), already bethe same en harisv not trested aue nd brought to for areas like Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Operation of the Agreement Between market. Impor• Deqeclaruipment e thts can ae United Staand tlso play aechnolotes’ inten gy imusedportntion to e in ouant rolr e amembes inputs xtend thrs’ stoin Ue reterm of the Agreement .Ss and . manufacturing, helping manufacturing the United States of America, the United Mexican State, and Canada (USMCA). FMI – the to suppforfacilort j another 16 yearities. The obs and lower prprocess s. icis ofteFores f bor Amerusinesn convolsesicauted in the n co ansumend efood sexpensive frs. Whictor, one of tle theror imeport are obhe emost rs. Whiviously le FMI Food Industry Association strongly encourages the United States to confirm its intention trade tensireimcoportons that gnizant commes and scan aruppooditieise, Canrts the s neadian and Mexeded to cneed to imposeonducict an agricoper safegationulture auars is cerds against nd ftaintyood imbad actors who . A 16ports -year are to extend the term of the Agreement for another 16 years when the formal joint review largely coexmay wtemplementary to U.S.nsioant tn willo tr offansshiper the reas p products oroductiosurances ner n.otherwise As USDA expeded to p circuromotlainmvens, focusie invet originng on Mestmen requt in new iremexico:nts, the process begins in July 2026. prfacilocities and ess is oftexen challpand jenging fob creationor those . operating in good faith. • ThesContinue the 6e imports are -yeaclosr reely tview process establiied to a number of shefactors,d in th ince originaluding: Mel Agxicreement. o’s As the food industry association, FMI works with and on behalf of the entire industry to 2. accCThe reaumulatecute an rrentexe std knowledgeate of play inmption for a…; the thelumi po glnumobal trpularity in the and adinsteel producedg system (eUnited S.g.tat, the p in comes of aralysicerpliatain imnce withs of thpoe rts advance a safer, healthier, and more efficient consumer food supply chain. FMI brings World TUSMCAfrom Mexirad. U.S. smeltincoe O…; and Mexicorganizatiog capn) maci’s gakes ty roto wing sea rproducegular casoe ans, whiclonsuluminumtath laive p –rg for ely comprocessexam pleessential to lement t - cannohose t together a wide range of members across the value chain — from retailers that sell to cumainof therrently supply domestaini Uninteg ad States. For ex trade agreement tic deammaple,tnd and hat r many teflectsis sypes ofubject to high ene changi prng markeoduce that t realrgy itheities.nput costs. United States consumers, to producers and manufacturers that supply food and other products, as 3 • AccdoesMaintaordingl not gin ty, Canadrohe w zeroin win-ian imtater are grownriff stportats ofus of USMCA “primary” (i. during tha-eligie., virgin)t timble fe in Mexicoood and beve alumin.um complement rage s well as the wide variety of companies providing critical services — to amplify the imports.U.S. domes As dtic piscroductioussed, then. Prse imimarpy aorts lumfrominu Cm anadais a critic andal Mecomponent usexico are d in collective work of the industry. More information about our organization is available at coalummplementainum rolling in thry with and contributee U.S., which supp to U.Slies . prthe automotive, conoduction. Zero-tariff status hestruction and lps www.FMI.org. pacreackte a coaging industriesnsistent su, ppincly and is luding aluman important bufferinum cansheet (am against inflationong others). Highary -cost 1 Quinton Baker and James Chandler Zachary, “Imports accounted for less than 20% of U.S. food and beverage 6 prpressures.imary alum inum diminishes the affordability of these value-add products. spending in 2023,” USDA Charts of Note, May 15, 2025. Available at https://www.ers.usda.gov/data- FMI and the food industry share the Administration’s commitment to strengthening the products/charts-of-note/chart-detail?chartId=112543. American e3. Exclude pconomotash fry, creatom tariing gooffd-s.pa ying joPotash rbse, fers tand eo ans gruring the oup of mineralsafety, healts containh, and ing 2 Steve Zahniser, “What is agriculture’s share of the overall U.S. economy?” December 19, 2024, and Kathleen 4 affordabwatility of er-soluble potathe U.S. food supssium, a vital nutrient ply. Since coming infor plants ato force ndin 202 a key component in 0, USMCA has been Kasse FMI represl, “Agrientculture ans the lard gely its recolatensumerd indu-facistriengs provi portion ode 10.4f the percenU.S. food supt of U.S.pl employmy chain –e retaint”, Novemlers and prodber 3, uct 2023. suppAvailableliers. F at or htftps://wwwarmers, ranc.erhes.usda.govrs, and foo/dad tam-anuproducts/facturerags-, UandSM-fooCA dh-statias hestlped ics-chopenartin and g-thexpand exe-essentialports/ag mar-andkets i-foodn - an important toolfertilizers. Canada for achiis theving thesee world’ goals s largest pby incrodreucasierng r and egeioxportnal ientegr of rapotash, with tion, opening sectorsCanada an-andd M-thexie-econco thaomt hy. av e become crucial outlets for their products. new marke~85% ts offor U.S U.S. im. producersports of p aotash cnd manufacoming fturerom its nortrs, and creating hern neighba scienceor.- Given the based 53 AvaiUSMCA, Canlable at htada,tps://www & Mexic.fmio – .org/Mexicino: Trdustradey-t & opics/FDI,f Julyact- 22,sheet/reshori 2025. Avainlablg-productie at on--a-look-at-cucumbers. 6 regulatory consistency that provides a stable business environment. The Agreement http FMs:I and its m//www.ersem.usda.gbers areov/ patopics/rticularinternatioly grateful thnal-marat tketshe Adm-us-trade/inistraticountrion has maies-regintaineons/usmd the zeroca-canad-taria-ff status of USMCmexico/A-meeligiblxicoe prod-tradeuc-fdits. as part of the President’s IEEPA tariffs. The main•US tained Continue the sciecritiMCA helpedcalhighl natuy bre enefd of thievelop this icnceial existing res input f-based fintegror U.Socus oation,latio. farnships wme wf the SPhicrs, thh has bith te TS agrrumphe U.Senefeeme Ait.’s largeddminint n –ot just U. strThe Uestation shoul food anSMCA S. d d agrbusinesseicultural tradexchclaps but U.ude ter on poing S.tasSanitary copartners, whilh fromnsumers an tariffsd Phytosain the fe mode. orm onitaryrnizf a more ing a number Measuress createcure of provissuped iply mportaiochns to rain;nt yereefargulatorylect -round November 3, 2025 cuavarril ent absafilbusity of eginess modeluarinds-de that mand frequis and approood pre the roducts; exposure usaches.e of sound scienc By virtuallto ney ae any meaw nd lafoods and food expsurys out a ree, the USgulatedMCAer is one ofienc proces; ess 4 the and, in ma4.most importa reExquirinplony casere avg partynt trs, loenues ade input ower prices.for agr increased regulaten deements ciA rsionecent Fever negotiated.s arounMI wory d rhite iscooperatik analysis and managp aper focuseon. A rd on cucegulaetoryment. It is, in umbe r 5 pr oduccomantionopery w found that a shift ation cays, a ommmodel foitment r acreatiway fraddressng aom supes cross accplementing U.S.-essborder constraints that liconsiste productioncy tmihat rt U.n with iaiS.ses the mports Re: Request for Comments on the Operation of the Agreement between the Thwould raise costs fe United Stastandacomperds titivenestes’ Food Sof all the subject paor the consumes and stiystfle U.S.em r. is OrCucumrti ines.iented Towanovation bers ars we tithorhds Domestic Pre sut violeventh ating themost popoducti soveular vreon; igntyegCaetablnada of e United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada; Docket No. and Mexin the countr• any natMaintaico Play ioin tandn.y a Fhe reqn Ior exampdisputmportantuire spee settlement mle, icifi n the Supplementc growing conditiarea ofech infantaranism in the Ay Roleons, formul inclua, ditng direhe vgreemeast majct sunlnt. The ority ofight and s infanoit l USTR-2025-0004 WhilpH requirements te timforhere has bportmula consumance of ehat len a signihaving imit ped in Canadaficant focus on the rrodua formal mction to is eechanixpsportecificedsm frool ar–e of im m the easone that of theportUn cited cous in theannot beStatesntry U.S, and onl bloc., . econDelaysked by do my, in the y auring many Americertain seasonresinglgulatoryecans do not r-subject ps. Due to t approvaarthe limecogniy l p– rois an ecess ited ze that avasseput ntilCtheabial canadian fil vast majority ity and omponeahigh mint of proliecos aof thest nd thof agmoti food theeir ring invcuinfantsltural lany esteat atment a a is d, of U.Snd . Submitted electronically via USTR Comments Portal exoriginpanding . Domecreasigniting a systedomestic prficant stic growtdisadvm foh and producantar tionogerd, oduce wand rly roultionunjed liksolutiustifiably lim ofel agy ron to confericuquire ltureit accthli and e uscts that esse of food of U.S.can move greenhouse oproduc infats nt fmore uormulnderr quicpin ana kly d drcoive tntrollhinnthan nege United Stedovations indoor eotiatio and ates’s fnvirns.onmadvanc ood sents. Grementsysteeem.nho In 2023, in peduse grown cucuiat theric nu Unitrteitiod Statmben scierses Denc are signie tpao thertmficantly Caent nadian of more Mr. Daniel Watson exAgrpeicnsivulture markete, p(Uriced a. SDA)A regulatory tfo $und that 3.43 pecr ooperpodomestic pround, cationom comparductimied to $1.tmeon ant shoulcc41 ounper ted bd fpound fe prioritizor 85 peror tradiedce fnt of or infant tionally every Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for the Western Hemisphere 1 dollThe grown cucarfive ar spforenmuleumbert on fas listea toood as. Th: d aballoerw nd bove aeforforeverag expede, re ea shsses ift titeential to maintainiin the U.Sd revo domesticalliew and ap. Becausy png theprroovalse oduced cucumbef efficacthis.; enab they ofle U. food sup theS. inrs USM fantcould repl fCA ay chainormula sult innd Office of the United States Trade Representative cosignicontinuing the ntributeficant reinnovationsd moretail printegra than and ice itionnc $1clreinical.5 tr and aseils oly supplion to U.Sdevelopment on a nutrorteditio. gr pediatrius and oss df marketsomc nuhighlesttr icin North Ay pitio produopularn options that act (G conmerica. TherDP)sumer and are widelyprcce are, oducount. te d 600 17th Street NW 2 for howev 10.4 eavar, sperilevabcent of ele in Ural areaem.Ss w. reployment.hetail outlre changeet s as coulnd hospitals to be d improve the Agallowed timely enreement: try to the Washington, DC 20508 As USTR Canadbegins prian marketeparatio; ann for d address athe Joint Reccessview constrofaints that the operatio limit U.S. cn of the USMCA,ompetitiven FMI ess Imports encou1. raStreaand sgedos p thetifle Umlinelay an importa neg.S/simpl. innovations.otiation to focus on maintaifynt the suppprocess lementa for declary role in thining and ring oe U.S.rigbuilin fding uood syst. Whilpon thee dem. Caeclaring origin Agreenada menand t’s Dear Mr. Watson: succMexicesso arfor. Specific fe ood is signiallyficant ge: neralsupply a lierstrs oaightfof agricurward pltural goods, particurocess (an avocado is flarly during the rom Mexshoulico or dethe r 5. Engage with the private sector and across the trade relationship to ensure sea son whUnited en U.States not from a series S. product is not ready oof r cohasuntries), already bethe same en harisv not trested aue nd brought to for areas like Thank you for tscience-hebased a opportunipproaches to addrty to comment oess plan the stic pollutOperation ion. of the AgreemePlastic and rnecyclt Betweing en market. Impor• Deqeclaruipment e thts can ae United Staand tlso play aechnolotes’ inten gy imusedportntion to e in ouant rolr e amembes inputs xtend thrs’ stoin Ue reterm of the Agreement .Ss and . manufacturing, helping manufacturing the United Spolicies tatshes oulof Ad considmerica, erthe Uni trade, ttehe vd Miabiliexican Statty of altee, and rnativesCanada (U, increaSMCA).sed costs to FMI – the to suppforfacilort j another 16 yearities. The obs and lower prprocess s. icis ofteFores f bor Amerusinesn convolsesicauted in the n co ansumend efood sexpensive frs. Whictor, one of tle theror imeport are obhe emost rs. Whiviously le FMI Food Industrconsumers, ay Assocnd restriation stricongly encoutions on U.S. exprages orts, the all whiUnitedle ensur States toing ali congnment ffirm its intention or a trade tensireimcoportons that gnizant commes and scan aruppooditieise, Canrts the s neadian and Mexeded to cneed to imposeonducict an agricoper safegationulture auars is cerds against nd ftaintyood imbad actors who . A 16ports -year are to extend circular ethe teconomy acrossrm of the Agree Norment fth Amor aernother ica. Indu16 ystreary sus when tpports he fpoliormal jocies that int realignview and largely coexmay wtemplementary to U.S.nsioant tn willo tr offansshiper the reas p products oroductiosurances ner n.otherwise As USDA expeded to p circuromotlainmvens, focusie invet originng on Mestmen requt in new iremexico:nts, the processgr begins inow a circu Jullar ey 202conom6. y across the North American market, promote product prfacilocities and ess is oftexen challpand jenging fob creationor those . operating in good faith. and waste lifecycle management, and enable innovation in the collection, • ThesContinue the 6e imports are -yeaclosr reely tview process establiied to a number of shefactors,d in th ince originaluding: Mel Agxicreement. o’s As the fmanageood industrmenty , associatioand recycln, ing iFMnfrI woastrks ructure sywith and steoms.n be half ofHowev the er, Canentirada’e industrs Zero y to 2. CThe accreaumulatecute an rrentexe std knowledgeate of play inmption for a…; the thelumi po glnumobal trpularity in the and adinsteel producedg system (eUnited S.g.tat, the p in comes of aralysicerpliatain imnce withs of thpoe rts advance a sPlasticafer, hea Waste Agenda lthier, and more– includ efing cficient compostabonsumility and er food supprecyclabilily chaity n.la FbeMI bling, bans rings frUSMCAWorld Tom Mexirad. U.S. smeltincoe O…; and Mexicorganizatiog capn) maci’s gakes ty roto wing sea rproducegular casoe ans, whiclonsuluminumtath laive p –rg for ely comprocessexam pleessential to lement t - cannohose t togetheon sinr a widegle range-use plast of meics, mbers aand crosscross -bordthe ver talue charade resin tric—tion from rs – creaetailers te negthaativet sel l to of themaincurrently supply domestaini Uninteg ad States. For ex trade agreement tic deammaple,tnd and hat r many teflectsis sypes ofubject to high ene changi prng markeoduce that t realrgy itheities.nput costs. United States consumers, timpacts on tro producadere as andnd ma restrict U.nufacturerS. food and agricus that supply food alture expnd orts.other One prodof thucts, ase 3 • AccdoesMaintaordingl not gin ty, Canadrohe w zeroin win-ian imtater are grownriff stportats ofus of USMCA “primary” (i. during tha-eligie., virgin)t timble fe in Mexicoood and beve alumin.um complement rage s well as UStheMC wideA’s varietgreatest ley of comgacipanies has been es providimoving criticng theal ser pavicrtnes ers away— to amplify th from trade e imports.U.S. domes As dtic piscroductioussed, then. Prse imimarpy aorts lumfrominu Cm anadais a critic andal Mecomponent usexico are d in collective work of therestrictive polici iesndustry and t. Mowaore rds scinformiencation about our e-based collaboratorganiion;zatio this apn is available proach shoulat d alumcomplementainum rolling in thry with and contributee U.S., which supp to U.Slies . prthe automotive, conoduction. Zero-tariff status hestruction and lps www.FMI.orgbe maintain. ed. pacreackte a coaging industriesnsistent su, ppincly and is luding aluman important bufferinum cansheet (am against inflationong others). Highary -cost 1 Quinto n Baker and James Chandler Zachary, “Imports accounted for less than 20% of U.S. food and beverage 6 prpressures.imary alum inum diminishes the affordability of these value-add products. spending in 2023,” USDA Charts of Note, May 15, 2025. Available at https://www.ers.usda.gov/data- FMI and the food industry share the Administration’s commitment to strengthening the products/6. Ucharpdatts-ofe th-note/che Agrarteeme-detail?chartnt to reflId=112543ect ch. anges in food technology. The USMCA’s American e3. Exclude pconomotash fry, creatom tariing gooffd-s.pa ying joPotash rbse, fers tand eo ans gruring the oup of mineralsafety, healts containh, and ing 2 Steve Zahniser, “What is agriculture’s share of the overall U.S. economy?” December 19, 2024, and Kathleen section on bioengineered products (BE) is groundbreaking and represents an 4 affordabwatility of er-soluble potathe U.S. food supssium, a vital nutrient ply. Since coming infor plants ato force ndin 202 a key component in 0, USMCA has been Kasse FMI represl, “Agrientculture ans the lard gely its recolatensumerd indu-facistriengs provi portion ode 10.4f the percenU.S. food supt of U.S.pl employmy chain –e retaint”, Novemlers and prodber 3, uct 2023. important codification that makes this technology more available to growers in Avaisupplableliers. F at or htftps://wwwarmers, ranc.erhes.usda.govrs, and foo/dad tam-anuproducts/facturerags-, UandSM-fooCA dh-statias hestlped ics-chopenartin and g-thexpand exe-essentialports/ag mar-andkets i-foodn - an important toolfertilizers. Canada for achiis theving thesee world’ goals s largest pby incrodreucasierng r and egeioxportnal ientegr of rapotash, with tion, opening each of the three Party countries. New technologies like gene editing, to cite just sectorsCanada an-andd M-thexie-econco thaomt hy. av e become crucial outlets for their products. new marke~85% ts offor U.S U.S. im. producersports of p aotash cnd manufacoming fturerom its nortrs, and creating hern neighba scienceor.- Given the based 35 AvaiUSMCA, Canlable at htada,tps://www & Mexic.fmio – .org/Mexicino: Trdustradey-t & opics/FDI,f Julyact- 22,sheet/reshori 2025. Avainlablg-productie at on--a-look-at-cucumbers. one example, pose new challenges that the Agreement needs to be updated to 6 regulatory consistency that provides a stable business environment. The Agreement http FMs:I and its m//www.ersem.usda.gbers areov/ patopics/rticularinternatioly grateful thnal-marat tketshe Adm-us-trade/inistraticountrion has maies-regintaineons/usmd the zeroca-canad-taria-ff status of USMCmexico/A-meeligiblxicoe prod-tradeuc-fdits. as part of the President’s IEEPA tariffs. mainThe •US tained Continue the sciecritireMCA helpedflect socalhighl natu thy breat enefd of thimarket accevelop this icnceial existing res input f-based fessintegror and approvals U.Socus oation,latio. farnships wme wf the SPhicrs, thh has bdo not stith te TS agrrumphe U.Senefeemeifle inn Ait.’s largeddminint n ovation or be–ot just U. strThe Uestation shoul food anSMCA S. cod d me agrbusinesseicultural tradsubject texchclaps but U.ude ter on poo ing nonS.tasSanitary copartners, whilh from-nsumers scientian tariffsfic objectid Phytosain the fe mode. oorm onns. itaryrniz f a more ing a number Measuress createcure of provissuped iply mportaiochns to rain;nt yereefargulatorylect -round November 3, 2025 avacurril ent absafilbusity of eginess modeluarinds-de that mand frequis and approood pre the roducts; exposure usaches.e of sound scienc By virtuallto ney ae any meaw nd lafoods and food expsurys out a ree, the USgulatedMCAer is one ofienc proces; ess 4 the and, in ma4.most importa reExquirinplony casere avg partynt trs, loenues ade input ower prices.for agr increased regulaten deements ciA rsionecent Fever negotiated.s arounMI wory d rhite iscooperatik analysis and managp aper focuseon. A rd on cucegulaetoryment. It is, in umbe r The USMCA is a major economic achievement that has played an important role in 5 pr oducmancotionopery w found that a shift ation cays, a ommmodel foitment r acreatiway fraddressng aom supes cross accplementing U.S.-essborder constraints that liconsiste productioncy tmihat rt U.n with iaiS.ses the mports expaRe: nding Request formarkets an Commd securing ents on suppthe Oly chaiperans for U.Stion of the . manuAgfacturereement betrs and retwailers. Feen the MI would raise costs fThe United Stacostandamperds titivenestes’ Food Sof all the subject paor the consumes and stiystfle U.S.em r. is OrCucumrti ines.iented Towanovation bers ars we tithorhds Domestic Pre sut violeventh ating themost popoducti soveular vreon; igntyegCaetablnada of e encouUnitraed Stages USTR to retes of Americasist call, thes to wa Unitter doed Mwn or sexican Statcale backes, theand Ca Agreenadament a; Docketnd to No. and Mexin the countr• any natMaintaico Play ioin tandn.y a Fhe reqn Ior exampdisputmportantuire spee settlement mle, icifi n the Supplementc growing conditiarea ofech infantaranism in the Ay Roleons, formul inclua, ditng direhe vgreemeast majct sunlnt. The ority ofight and s infanoit l instead focus on maintaining the succUSTessRes -202and se5-0004izing the ne w opportunities created WhilpH requirements te timforhere has bportmula consumance of ehat len a signihaving imit ped in Canadaficant focus on the rrodua formal mction to is eechanixpsportecificedsm frool ar–e of im m the easone that of theportUn cited cous in theannot beStatesntry U.S, and onl bloc., . econDelaysked by do my, in the y auring by this review process. certmany Ameriain seasonsinglregulatoryecans do not r-subject ps. Due to t approvaarthe limecogniy l p– rois an ecess ited ze that avasseput ntilCtheabial canadian fil vast majority ity and omponeahigh mint of proliecos aof thest nd thof agmoti food theeir ring invcuinfantsltural lany esteat atment a a is d, of U.Snd . Submitted electronically via USTR Comments Portal exoriginpanding . Domesignicreating a systedomestic prficant stic growtdisadvm foh and producantar tionogerd, oduce wand rly roultionunjed liksolutiustifiably lim ofel agy ron to confericuquire ltureit accthli and e uscts that esse of food of U.S.can move greenhouse oproduc infats nt fmore uormulnderr quicpin ana kly d The food industry stands ready to be a resource for the Trump Administration as it drcoive tntrollhthan neginne United Stedovations indoor eotiatio and ates’s fnvirns.onmadvanc ood sents. Grementsysteeem.nho In 2023, in peduse grown cucuiat theric nu Unitrteitiod Statmben scierses Denc are signie tpao thertmficantly Caent nadian of more Mr. Daniel Watson works to ensure the USMCA is best positioned to maximize benefits for American exAgrpeicnsivulture markete, p(Uriced a. SDA)A regulatory tfo $und that 3.43 pecr ooperpodomestic pround, cationom comparductimied to $1.tmeon ant shoulcc41 ounper ted bd fpound fe prioritizor 85 peror tradiedce fnt of or infant tionally every Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for the Western Hemisphere businesses and grocery shoppers alike. 1 dollgrThe own cucarfive ar spforenmuleumbert on fas listea toood as. Th: d aballoerw nd bove aeforforeverag expede, re ea shsses ift titeential to maintainiin the U.Sd revo domesticalliew and ap. Becausy png theprroovalse oduced cucumbef efficacthis.; enab they ofle U. food sup theS. inrs USM fantcould repl fCA ay chainormula sult innd Office of the United States Trade Representative cocosignintributentinuing the ficant reinnovationsd moretail printegra than and ice itionnc $1clreinical.5 tr and aseils oly supplion to U.Sdevelopment on a nutrorteditio. gr pediatrius and oss df marketsomc nuhighlesttr icin North Ay pitio produopularn options that act (G conmerica. TherDP)sumer and are widelyprcce are, oducount. te d Please600 17th con Sttact Andyreet NW Harg, Vice President of Tax, Trade, Sustainability, and Policy 2 howev for 10.4 eavar, sperilevabcent of ele in Ural areaem.Ss w. reployment.hetail outlre changeet s as coulnd hospitals to be d improve the Agallowed timely enreement: try to the Washington,Developmen tDC at aha205rig08@fmi. org with questions or for additional information. As USTR Canadbegins prian marketeparatio; ann for d address athe Joint Reccessview constrofaints that the operatio limit U.S. cn of the USMCA,ompetitiven FMI ess Imports encou1. raStreaand sgedos p thetifle Umlinelay an importa neg.S/simpl. innovations.otiation to focus on maintaifynt the suppprocess lementa for declary role in thining and ring oe U.S.rigbuilin fding uood syst. Whilpon thee dem. Caeclaring origin Agreenada menand t’s DearSincer Mrely,. W atson: succMexicesso arfor. Specific fe ood is signiallyficant ge: neralsupply a lierstrs oaightfof agricurward pltural goods, particurocess (an avocado is flarly during the rom Mexshoulico or dethe r 5. Engage with the private sector and across the trade relationship to ensure sea son whUnited en U.States not from a series S. product is not ready oof r cohasuntries), already bethe same en harisv not trested aue nd brought to for areas like Thank you for tscience-hebased a opportunipproaches to addrty to comment oess plan the stic pollutOperation ion. of the AgreemePlastic and rnecyclt Betweing en market. Impor• Deqeclaruipment e thts can ae United Staand tlso play aechnolotes’ inten gy imusedportntion to e in ouant rolr e amembes inputs xtend thrs’ stoin Ue reterm of the Agreement .Ss and . manufacturing, helping manufacturing the United Spolicies tatshes oulof Ad considmerica, erthe Uni trade, ttehe vd Miabiliexican Statty of altee, and rnativesCanada (U, increaSMCA).sed costs to FMI – the to suppfacilforort j another 16 yearities. The obs and lower prprocess s. icis ofteFores f bor Amerusinesn convolsesicauted in the n co ansumend efood sexpensive frs. Whictor, one of tle theror imeport are obhe emost rs. Whiviously le FMI Food Industrconsumers, ay Assocnd restriation stricongly encoutions on U.S. exprages orts, the all whiUnitedle ensur States toing ali congnment ffirm its intention or a trade tensireimcoportons that gnizant commes and scan aruppooditieise, Canrts the s neadian and Mexeded to cneed to imposeonducict an agricoper safegationulture auars is cerds against nd ftaintyood imbad actors who . A 16ports -year are to extend circular ethe teconomy acrossrm of the Agree Norment fth Amor aernother ica. Indu16 ystreary sus when tpports he fpoliormal jocies that int realignview and Andrew S Harig largely comay wextemplementary to U.S.nsioant tn willo tr offansshiper the reas p products oroductiosurances ner n.otherwise As USDA expeded to p circuromotlainmvens, focusie invet originng on Mestmen requt in new iremexico:nts, the processgr begins inow a circu Jullar ey 202conom6. y across the North American market, promote product prfacilocities and ess is oftexen challpand jenging fob creationor those . operating in good faith. Vic e Prand wesidentas te lifecycle management, and enable innovation in the collection, • Continue the 6These imports are -yeaclosr reely tview process establiied to a number of shefactors,d in th ince originaluding: Mel Agxicreement. o’s As the fmanageood industrmenty , associatioand recycln, ing iFMnfrI woastrks ructure sywith and steoms.n be half ofHowev the er, Canentirada’e industrs Zero y to 2. accCThe reaumulatecute an rrentexe std knowledgeate of play inmption for a…; the thelumi po glnumobal trpularity in the and adinsteel producedg system (eUnited S.g.tat, the p in comes of aralysicerpliatain imnce withs of thpoe rts FMI – the Food Industry Association advance a sPlasticafer, hea Waste Agenda lthier, and more– includ efing cficient compostabonsumility and er food supprecyclabilily chaity n.la FbeMI bling, bans rings frUSMCAWorld Tom Mexirad. U.S. smeltincoe O…; and Mexicorganizatiog capn) maci’s gakes ty roto wing sea rproducegular casoe ans, whiclonsuluminumtath laive p –rg for ely comprocessexam pleessential to lement t - cannohose t togetheon sinr a widegle range-use plast of meics, mbers aand crosscross -bordthe ver talue charade resin tric—tion from rs – creaetailers te negthaativet sel l to of themaincurrently supply domestaini Uninteg ad States. For ex trade agreement tic deammaple,tnd and hat r many teflectsis sypes ofubject to high ene changi prng markeoduce that t realrgy itheities.nput costs. United States consumers, timpacts on tro producadere as andnd ma restrict U.nufacturerS. food and agricus that supply food alture expnd orts.other One prodof thucts, ase 3 • AccdoesMaintaordingl not gin ty, Canadrohe w zeroin win-ian imtater are grownriff stportats ofus of USMCA “primary” (i. during tha-eligie., virgin)t timble fe in Mexicoood and beve alumin.um complement rage s well as UStheMC wideA’s varietgreatest ley of comgacipanies has been es providimoving criticng theal ser pavicrtnes ers away— to amplify th from trade e U.imports.S. domes As dtic piscroductioussed, then. Prse imimarpy aorts lumfrominu Cm anadais a critic andal Mecomponent usexico are d in collective work of therestrictive polici iesndustry and t. Mowaore rds scinformiencation about our e-based collaboratorganiion;zatio this apn is available proach shoulat d alumcomplementainum rolling in thry with and contributee U.S., which supp to U.Slies . prthe automotive, conoduction. Zero-tariff status hestruction and lps www.FMI.orgbe maintain. ed. pacreackte a coaging industriesnsistent su, ppincly and is luding aluman important bufferinum cansheet (am against inflationong others). Highary -cost 1 Quinto n Baker and James Chandler Zachary, “Imports accounted for less than 20% of U.S. food and beverage 6 prpressures.imary alum inum diminishes the affordability of these value-add products. spending in 2023,” USDA Charts of Note, May 15, 2025. Available at https://www.ers.usda.gov/data- FMI and the food industry share the Administration’s commitment to strengthening the products/6. Ucharpdatts-ofe th-note/che Agrarteeme-detail?chartnt to reflId=112543ect ch. anges in food technology. The USMCA’s American e3. Exclude pconomotash fry, creatom tariing gooffd-s.pa ying joPotash rbse, fers tand eo ans gruring the oup of mineralsafety, healts containh, and ing 2 Steve Zahniser, “What is agriculture’s share of the overall U.S. economy?” December 19, 2024, and Kathleen section on bioengineered products (BE) is groundbreaking and represents an 4 affordabwatility of er-soluble potathe U.S. food supssium, a vital nutrient ply. Since coming infor plants ato force ndin 202 a key component in 0, USMCA has been Kasse FMI represl, “Agrientculture ans the lard gely its recolatensumerd indu-facistriengs provi portion ode 10.4f the percenU.S. food supt of U.S.pl employmy chain –e retaint”, Novemlers and prodber 3, uct 2023. important codification that makes this technology more available to growers in Avaisupplableliers. F at or htftps://wwwarmers, ranc.erhes.usda.govrs, and foo/dad tam-anuproducts/facturerags-, UandSM-fooCA dh-statias hestlped ics-chopenartin and g-thexpand exe-essentialports/ag mar-andkets i-foodn - an important toolfertilizers. Canada for achiis theving thesee world’ goals s largest pby incrodreucasierng r and egeioxportnal ientegr of rapotash, with tion, opening each of the three Party countries. New technologies like gene editing, to cite just sectorsCanada an-andd M-thexie-econco thaomt hy. av e become crucial outlets for their products. new marke~85% ts offor U.S U.S. im. producersports of p aotash cnd manufacoming fturerom its nortrs, and creating hern neighba scienceor.- Given the based 35 AvaiUSMCA, Canlable at htada,tps://www & Mexic.fmio – .org/Mexicino: Trdustradey-t & opics/FDI,f Julyact- 22,sheet/reshori 2025. Avainlablg-productie at on--a-look-at-cucumbers. one example, pose new challenges that the Agreement needs to be updated to 6 regulatory consistency that provides a stable business environment. The Agreement http FMs:I and its m//www.ersem.usda.gbers areov/ patopics/rticularinternatioly grateful thnal-marat tketshe Adm-us-trade/inistraticountrion has maies-regintaineons/usmd the zeroca-canad-taria-ff status of meUSMCxico/A-meeligiblxicoe prod-tradeuc-fdits. as part of the President’s IEEPA tariffs.