USMCA review: Washington grower sounds off on cheap Mexican produce imports

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) recently held a hearing regarding the operation of the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA).

The Washington Red Raspberry Commission (WRRC) was represented at the hearing by Brad Rader, owner, Rader Farms. He is also a WRRC board member and chair of the advocacy and trade committee. 

Rader’s testimony highlighted the current state of the processed raspberry industry and the importance of improved economic conditions, particularly for growers and processors. Rader focused on trade relations with Mexico, particularly due to the influx of low-priced, imported raspberry products from Mexico in recent years, according to a WRRC press release.

“Mexico has been able to expand its presence in the U.S. market, putting U.S. growers out of business by supplying raspberry products at prices we cannot match. During this same period, Washington’s total raspberry production has declined, reflecting the growing pressure from lower-cost imports from Mexico,” Rader stated.

“Unfortunately, we have numerous examples of previously reliable customers reducing or canceling their orders from our processors, and instead choosing to purchase low-cost frozen raspberries imported from Mexico,” he added.

In closing, Rader stressed the need for serious consideration of the raspberry industry’s position during the upcoming USMCA review.

Officials present to hear the witness testimonies were:

• Dr. Julie Callahan, Assistant U.S Trade Representative for Agriculture
• Daniel Watson, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for the Western Hemisphere
• Lisa Anderson, Senior Advisor for U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agriculture Service

Rader also joined seven ag industry representatives on a panel during the hearing, including several specialty crop industry advocates. In addition to Rader, witnesses present included:

• Northwest Horticultural Council
• Western Growers
• Fresh Produce Association of the Americas
• California Avocado Commission
• Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association
• North American Blueberry Council
• Driscoll’s

About USMCA

The United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA) was enacted to replace the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 2020. The USMCA is designed to last 16 years, expiring on July 1, 2036, unless the parties agree to extend it. Terms of the agreement include a mandated review after six years, which falls on July 1, 2026.