The United States and Mexico opened negotiations this week on the future of the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), launching what could become a contentious process to renew the trade pact that underpins $1.6 trillion in annual North American commerce. The talks come amid signals from President Donald Trump that the United States may seek major changes — or even withdraw — if a new deal cannot be reached, raising concerns across industries that depend on integrated continental supply chains.
For Minnesota, the stakes are unusually high. Canada and Mexico are the state’s two largest trading partners, supporting tens of thousands of jobs in agriculture, manufacturing, medical technology and transportation. Minnesota exports more than $7 billion in goods to the two countries annually, including soybeans, corn, pork, medical devices and machinery. Roughly one‑third of all Minnesota agricultural exports go to Canada and Mexico, making the region essential for farmers’ profitability and market stability.
USMCA has also been vital for Minnesota manufacturers, who rely on integrated North American supply chains for steel, aluminum, auto parts and precision components. Any disruption — including the possibility of U.S. withdrawal with six months’ notice — could raise costs, slow production and weaken competitiveness.
Negotiations will continue through 2026, with the pact set to expire in 2036 if no agreement is reached.
These major employers rely heavily on Canada‑Mexico trade flows, supply chains or export markets:
Cargill (Wayzata) – Agriculture, grain, protein, food ingredients
Hormel Foods (Austin) – Pork, turkey, packaged foods
CHS Inc. (Inver Grove Heights) – Grain, energy, ag inputs
3M (Maplewood) – Industrial, consumer and medical products
Medtronic (Fridley) – Medical devices and components
Ecolab (St. Paul) – Industrial and sanitation products
Polaris (Medina) – Off‑road vehicles and parts
Toro (Bloomington) – Turf and landscape equipment
Andersen Windows (Bayport) – Building materials
Arctic Cat/Textron (Thief River Falls) – Snowmobiles and ATVs
Fastenal (Winona) – Industrial and construction supplies
General Mills (Golden Valley) – Food products and ingredients
These companies depend on tariff‑free movement of goods, integrated supply chains, and predictable cross‑border logistics — all of which hinge on USMCA’s future.