DES MOINES -- November 30th marked one year since President Trump signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This historic trade agreement will replace NAFTA, leading to freer and fairer trade in North America -- all while stimulating billions of dollars in economic growth.

Since Canada and Mexico are Iowa’s top two trading partners, this trade deal is especially important here in America’s heartland. In 2018, 45 percent of Iowa’s total exports went to these two countries. Additionally, it is estimated this trade deal would: 

• Solidify $3.2 billion in exports for corn farmers

• Add $68.2 billion to the U.S. economy

• Create 176,000 jobs

It’s no surprise this trade agreement has bipartisan support, including from former Iowa Governor and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. It has also been endorsed by several Iowa associations, businesses, and chambers of commerce. 

Yet House Democrats continue stalling the trade agreement as they await approval from union leaders. Instead of helping millions of Americans immediately, they have delayed the trade deal for over 365 days. 

“Despite everything Iowa farmers, manufacturers, and business owners stand to gain from the USMCA, Democrats continue to put the needs of their constituents on the backburner,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “There is no reason passage of a trade agreement with our two largest trading partners shouldn’t be priority. We need to get this deal done by the end of the year -- it’s time for Democrats to take this seriously and pass the USMCA now to create jobs, increase exports, and grow our economy.”

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