New US-Mex-Canada trade deal helps dairy farmers

Posted at 12:30 p.m. on October 1, 2018

The Brillion News

WASHINGTON D.C. – After more than a year of negotiations, the U.S., Mexico and Canada reached agreement on a new trade agreement – The U.S-Mexico-Canada Agreement – to succeed NAFTA.

The biggest win for President Donald Trump was getting Canada to open up its markets to more U.S. dairy products.

“America’s dairy farmers will have new export opportunities to sell dairy products into Canada,” said a statement from the Office of the United State Trade Representative in a Monday morning statement. “Canada will provide new access for United State products, including fluid milk, cream, butter, skim milk powder, cheese and other dairy products.”

“This is a big win for Wisconsin’s dairy farmers,” said Governor Scott Walker. “This new deal will open up Canadian markets for our dairy farmers, eliminate certain tariffs, and eliminate Canada’s protectionist trade policies related to ultra-filtered milk that targeted Wisconsin dairy producers.”

Walker called on Congress to approve the three-nation agreement quickly. The U.S. and Mexico portion of the agreement fell into place first.

The agreement also addresses agricultural biotechnology – a new element.

The agreement also lets Canada keep a key part of NAFTA intact, the dispute process that lets all three countries challenge anti-dumping duties without having to go to court.

Both Canada and Mexico won a provision that blocks the U.S. from putting big tariffs on vehicle parts coming into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico.

To check out the agreement for yourself, here’s the link: https://ustr.gov/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements/united-states-mexico-canada-agreement/united-states-mexico