IDFA Supports USMCA Review, Calls for a Stronger and Preserved Trilateral Agreement

IDFA Supports USMCA Review, Calls for a Stronger and Preserved Trilateral Agreement

WASHINGTON, July 23, 2026 - The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is in Mexico City this week to support ongoing review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Becky Rasdall Vargas, IDFA's senior vice president of trade and workforce, is engaging with U.S. government officials and industry stakeholders to advance IDFA's priorities: preserve USMCA and strengthen it for dairy.

"USMCA is essential to the competitiveness of the U.S. dairy industry and to the strength of North America's agricultural economy," said Michael Dykes, president and CEO of IDFA. "As the review process moves forward, we support U.S. negotiators efforts to resolve outstanding dairy commitments and preserve this agreement that is so vital to the economic growth, investment and long-term certainty for U.S. dairy processors and consumers across the region."

Mexico is the largest export destination for U.S. dairy products, buying $2.57b of U.S. dairy exports in 2025. As part of the review process, IDFA has consistently advocated for addressing current USMCA commitments that have not been implemented. IDFA has advocated preserving the agreement for the continued stability and growth of the U.S. dairy sector in North America.

"The USMCA review presents the best opportunity U.S. dairy has had in six years to take a fresh look at and build on the strong trading relationship we have with Mexico," said Rasdall Vargas. "While USMCA dairy trade issues commonly focus on Canada, ultimately, every trade relationship has areas to improve upon, and Mexico is no different. IDFA appreciates Mexico's constructive engagement in negotiations and looks forward to supporting a positive and speedy conclusion of the USMCA review with Mexico."

To learn more about IDFA's trade policy priorities and advocacy efforts, visit https://www.idfa.org.

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Contact: [email protected]

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation's dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs that generate $198 billion in wages and $779 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA's diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.