The U.S. Peanut Federation has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding agricultural trade across North America, submitting detailed recommendations ahead of the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
The organisation has emphasised that peanut exports remain vital to supporting American farmers and sustaining rural economies.
According to the Federation’s latest report, peanuts are cultivated in 13 U.S. states and represent a key component of the nation’s agricultural output.
The United States currently ranks as the world’s fourth-largest peanut producer, after China, India, and Nigeria. With around 25 per cent of its annual production destined for export, peanuts play a central role in generating farm income and ensuring economic stability in rural areas.
The Federation highlighted that Canada and Mexico are the two largest markets for U.S. peanuts and peanut products, accounting for approximately 53 per cent, or an estimated $479 million, of total annual exports.
This strong performance, the organisation noted, underscores the importance of maintaining open and predictable trade relations under the USMCA framework.
Historical trade data further show steady growth in the peanut trade between the U.S. and its northern neighbour.
The value of peanut exports to Canada increased by $241 million between the 2003 and 2004 marketing years, reflecting an average annual growth rate of about 1.8 per cent.
Total trade volumes between both countries also grew by 1.78 per cent within the same period, signalling healthy and sustained demand.
Building on this progress, the U.S. Peanut Federation has called for continued policy support to preserve and expand access to Canadian and Mexican markets. In its submission, the organisation urged U.S. policymakers to safeguard the benefits achieved through the USMCA while exploring new opportunities for agricultural collaboration across the continent.
The Federation expressed optimism that the forthcoming USMCA review would further enhance agricultural trade integration, benefiting peanut farmers, processors, and exporters.
Source: South East AgNet
