Submit comment or question
Note: All comments are displayed with user's screen name. If screen name is not present, user's full name will be used. Please go to My Account to update your screen name.
Comment Policy: Urner Barry has made the comment feature available to encourage further discussion of our news stories. Defamatory or offensive comments, or comments deemed not relevant to the story will be removed, and if necessary, Urner Barry may restrict the right of individual subscribers to offer comments. In all cases, comments represent opinions of the poster only, and do not represent fact, news, opinions or estimates put forward by Urner Barry.
Email Address is required. Password is required.
PODCAST - Episode 42: Crops Under Fire, Ft. Murphy Campbell and Andrew Kanyemba
Simon Duke opens with a brief news round-up: USMCA non-renewal in favour of bilateral US trade deals with Canada and Mexico, EU Deforestation Regulation expansion to include coffee and palm oil derivatives, and Fourth of July grilling demand dynamics. The episode's focus, however, is on current grain and oilseed market dynamics.Murphy Campbell (Grains and Oilseeds Reporter, Expana) covers the USDA's June Acreage Report — wheat planted acres at a 149-year low, corn surprising to the upside despite Iran-driven fertilizer cost spikes
US Declines to Extend USMCA, Putting $149 Billion in Agri-Food Trade on an Uncertain Path
The United States will not renew the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, according to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, amid Wednesday's July 1 joint review deadline. Fox Business subsequently reported that President Trump will instead pursue separate bilateral trade deals with Canada and Mexico lasting up to 10 years. Both Canada and Mexico had pressed for a full 16-year extension. They did not get it.
The outcome was widely expected. Trump has floated withdrawing from the deal entirely, and US officials gave no...
NPPC Statement on USMCA Joint Review
The National Pork Producers Council, which represents the interests of America’s 60,000-plus pork producers, released the following statement in response to the decision not to renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement in its current state.
“Amidst the many uncertainties that come with pork production, trade has remained a bright spot for U.S. pork producers, whose neighbors to the north and south represent a third of all U.S. pork exports.
“Ensuring USMCA remains intact is vital to continuing the mutually beneficial trading relationships U.S. pork enjoys with both Canada and Mexico...
Meat Institute Promotes Michael Schumpp to Vice President of International Affairs
The Meat Institute today [June 23, 2026] announced the promotion of Michael Schumpp to Vice President of International Affairs.
“Michael recently delivered compelling testimony in representing the Meat Institute before Congress and has assisted the US Trade Representative in negotiations on the US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA),” said Meat Institute Julie Anna Potts. “His leadership on international policy is well established, his industry expertise is sought out by policymakers, and we are pleased he will continue his work on behalf of the meat and poultry industry as vice...
Meat Institute Urges Congress to Preserve USMCA, Highlighting Critical Benefits for US Agriculture and Rural Economy
The Meat Institute today reaffirmed the meat and poultry industry’s strong support for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), emphasizing its essential role in sustaining American agriculture, jobs, and economic growth. Testifying before the House Committee on Agriculture, Michael Schumpp, Senior Director of International Affairs, called on Congress to work with the Administration to preserve the agreement and avoid disruptive renegotiation.
“USMCA is the gold standard for trade agreements and a cornerstone of the American meat industry’s success...
Agricultural Coalition Urges USMCA Renewal as Trade Negotiations Begin
As trade negotiations between the US, Canada, and Mexico begin, the Agricultural Coalition for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) organized a letter to trade leaders in all three countries urging renewal and strengthening of the trade pact.
The letter, signed by nearly 160 organizations in the agri-food sector, was sent to Ambassador Jamieson Greer at the Office of the US Trade Representative, Canada-US Trade Representative Dominic LeBlanc, and Mexico's Secretary of the Economy, Marcelo Ebrard.
"[USMCA] strengthens the resilience of our integrated agricultural markets...
American, Canadian and Mexican Retail Organizations United in Support of USMCA/CUSMA
During a visit to Washington, the Retail Council of Canada (RCC) met with the National Retail Federation (NRF) to discuss, among other things, the importance of preserving the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. American, Canadian and Mexican retail leadership stand firmly together in our support of preserving the USMCA. Kim Furlong, president and CEO of RCC; Matthew Shay, president and CEO of NRF; and Diego Cosio Barto, executive president and CEO of ANTAD, issued the following statement regarding the upcoming review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement...
The United States and Mexico Launch Review Process of the USMCA
Today, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Mexican Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard announced the first round of bilateral discussions in preparation for the Joint Review of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA).
The ministers instructed negotiators to begin a scoping discussion on the necessary measures to ensure the benefits of the Agreement accrue primarily to the parties, including by reducing dependence on imports from outside the region, strengthening rules of origin, and enhancing the security of North American supply chains...
FMI Statement on SCOTUS Decision on Reciprocal Tariffs
Today [February 20, 2026], FMI – The Food Industry Association commented on the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the Trump administration’s reciprocal tariffs levied under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. FMI President and CEO Leslie G. Sarasin offered the following statement.
“We are continuing to review the ruling and its impact on FMI members. This decision raises many questions that must be answered quickly to minimize confusion in the marketplace. We urge Congress, the Trump administration and other relevant stakeholders to work together to establish a process that provides clarity for food businesses and the American consumers they serve every day...
What Restaurants Need to Succeed: Immigration Reform, Competitive Swipe Fees, & Strong Trade Policy
The National Restaurant Association today released ambitious federal policy priorities that when achieved, will help stabilize the industry workforce, support industry employment growth, cut costs for restaurant operators, and preserve the global supply chain. The priorities include:
The restaurant and foodservice industry is the nation's second-largest private employer, with more than 15.7 million people...
Ag Coalition Highlights USMCA Strength in New Report, Sees Big US Economic Benefits
The Agricultural Coalition for USMCA has released a new report underscoring the pact’s importance to the US farm and seafood sectors. The analysis positions the USMCA as a stabilizing force for rural economies amid rising input costs and volatile markets, noting that exports to Canada and Mexico generated significant US economic activity in 2024.
The report found that agricultural and seafood exports to Canada and Mexico produced $149 billion in total US economic output in 2024, supporting about 493,000 full-time jobs and $36 billion...
Promotions Differentiate US Beef in Untapped Japanese Market
Market development efforts in Okinawa accelerate as USMEF utilizes TV and social media to support a monthlong foodservice promotion for U. S. beef.
A report from the Japan Tourism Agency provided further confirmation of the country’s tourism boom: Spending by international visitors in 2025 increased 16% year-over-year to record levels. For U.S. beef, tourism growth is creating opportunities in new regions such as Okinawa.
Okinawa is the southernmost and westernmost prefecture of Japan, consisting of a chain of islands located about 1,300 miles southwest of Tokyo. With a population of about 1.5 million...
Expana's Weekly Top 10: Key Market Drivers from Trade Developments to Seasonal Trends
From major trade developments and tariff shifts to supply chain warnings and seasonal demand trends, Expana’s top ten stories this week capture the forces shaping global commodity and trade markets. This roundup highlights the most impactful moves, from US trade diplomacy and USMCA advocacy to Valentine’s Day price dynamics. In no particular order:
10.Turkish glass company Sisecam has started commissioning its first European glass packaging facility in Kaposvár, Hungary, with the first furnace set to begin test production. The facility...
New Coalition Calls on Administration to Safeguard USMCA, Highlighting Ag and Seafood Stakes
The Agricultural Coalition for USMCA, backed by 40 farm and agricultural groups, launched today with a new website and an ad blitz in Washington DC as it pushes to defend and strengthen the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) ahead of the Trump administration's July 2026 review.
The new coalition aims to highlight the USMCA's critical importance to the US farm economy and to call for its renewal with ag-targeted improvements.
“USMCA is one of President Trump’s...
Expana's Weekly Top 10: Key Developments in Weather, Trade, and Market Trends
This week on Expana, headlines brought together a dynamic mix of extreme weather, evolving trade disputes, and shifts across consumer and corporate landscapes. A major winter storm disrupted US infrastructure and supply chains, while new tariff threats reshaped trade flows in seafood, agriculture, and manufacturing. Together, these developments highlight growing pressures across food, commodities, and retail sectors worldwide. Below, Expana presents the top 10 stories influencing markets, trade, and consumer sentiment this week- In no particular order.
10. Winter Storm Grips Much...
USMEF Elects New Officers, Examines Reciprocal Trade Opportunities and USMCA Review
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) concluded its Strategic Planning Conference Friday with election of its new officers. Chairing USMEF for the 2025-26 term is Jay Theiler, executive vice president of corporate affairs for Agri Beef Company, based in Boise, Idaho.
Theiler recalled his early days with Agri Beef, when the company came to realize that it could not maximize the value of each head of livestock processed by selling product only in the Pacific Northwest, or even in the entire United States.
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana’s Weekly Rundown #30
Expana’s global team of specialist reporters has been tracking every twist and turn in the fluid tariff situation.
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #30."
This report allows the Expana community to see where key commodity markets stand as of this past week... Click the above PDF report, or keep scrolling to read in plain text.
...
On October 7, US President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Carney met in the White House. The possibility a US-Canadian trade deal was a main topic of discussion...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #28
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #28."
On Tuesday in New York, US President Trump gave remarks to the United Nations General Assembly, via the White House live stream...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #27
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #27."
US tariff revenue may be used to fund the nation’s farmers, reported Reuters about an interview between Agriculture Secretary Rollins and the Financial Times...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #25
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #25."
In the States, a federal appeals court ruled that US President Trump’s use of global tariffs exceeded presidential authority, but they remain active until at least October 14, 2025...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #24
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #24."
On August 22, Canadian Prime Minister Carney dropped most retaliatory tariffs on US products, beginning September 1, reported Expana in an article that suggested the move may help soothe trade relations...
Canada Drops Most Retaliatory Tariffs on US Goods
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on August 22 that Canada will drop most retaliatory tariffs on US products, with the changes taking effect September 1. Carney clarified during a press conference that tariffs on US autos, steel, and aluminum will remain for now, but asserted that Canada now holds the best trade deal of all US trading partners.
Under the new policy, tariffs on US goods will be lifted if the products are exempt under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #23
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #23."
This week, tariff news took a bit of a backseat to US President Trump’s dealings with Russian President Putin in Alaska—along with President Trump’s meeting with many European leaders...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #22
Click to read "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #22."
The timeline for tariff negotiations between the US and China trade teams has been extended for another 90 days—moving the deadline to November 10, according to a White House fact sheet...
Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #21
Click to read: "Tariff Talks 2025: Expana's Weekly Rundown #21."
On August 6, US President Trump issued an executive order that imposes a new 25% additional ad valorem tariff on imports from India into the States, effective 21 days after the White House announcement...
FEATURED STORIES
Expana's Weekly Top 10
ANALYSIS: Record-Low Calf Slaughter Shapes the US Veal Market
ANALYSIS: Chicken Cold Storage: Whole Birds Build While Parts Inventories Tighten
PODCAST: Episode 43 - What's the Catch? Tariff Impact on Global Seafood
ANALYSIS: US Beef Imports from Mexico Maintain Stronger Pace Through Mid-2026