The Pet Food Institute (PFI), whose members make 98 percent of U.S. pet food products, expressed thanks to U.S. negotiators, as well as their Canadian and Mexican counterparts, for their hard work to complete a successful renegotiation to modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement, which will be known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
“We are pleased that US negotiators were able to work with our North American trading partners to modernize an agreement that has benefited U.S. pet food makers by ensuring continued transparency, stability and tariff-free trade for our members,” said Dana Brooks, president and CEO of PFI. “We look forward to seeing all three countries’ governments review and ratify the new agreement.”
Peter Tabor, vice president for regulatory and international affairs with PFI, added, “Canada and Mexico are the first and third export markets for U.S. pet food makers, respectively, and the announcement of USMCA is significant for our industry. This agreement will allow U.S. pet food makers to strengthen their ties with Canadian and Mexican partners and remain confident in knowing that the North American market will provide excellent opportunities for years to come.”
U.S. dog and cat food exports to Canada and Mexico totaled approximately $790 million in 2017, representing well over one-half of all U.S. exports. The United States also imported more than $228 million from Canada and Mexico last year, demonstrating the synergy that NAFTA has facilitated and that the USMCA will continue facilitating in the years to come.
ABOUT PET FOOD INSTITUTE
Since 1958, the Pet Food Institute has been the voice of the U.S. pet food and treat makers. PFI is the industry’s representative before Congress and state legislatures, as well as state and federal agencies; public education and media relations resource; organizer of seminars and educational programs; and liaison with other organizations. PFI represents the companies that make 98 percent of U.S. dog and cat food and treat products, an industry with more than $28 billion in U.S. retail sales and $1.3 billion in exports in 2016.