LINCOLN Today, Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following news from the White House on a new trade agreement with Canada and Mexico named the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
President Trump has delivered on his promise to finalize a new trade deal with Canada and Mexico, said Governor Ricketts. The importance of this new deal to Nebraska cannot be understated. These two countries are top customers for Nebraska, and are critical markets for growing trade opportunities. This new deal makes progress in the three areas Nebraskas leaders outlined for trade negotiations with these countries over a year ago. Most importantly, it helps give Nebraskas farmers and businesses much-needed certainty, and will help us grow these important trade relationships for years to come.
More information about Nebraskas principles for trade negotiations with Mexico and Canada can be found by clicking here.
NEBRASKAS TRADE RELATIONSHIP WITH CANADA AND MEXICO
Mexico is Nebraskas second largest export market and Canada is the states third largest market. Combined, the countries purchased over $2.4 billion worth of Nebraskas exports in 2016. Canada and Mexico are also substantial direct international investors in Nebraska, employing about 6,400 people in the state. Mexico is the states largest export market for corn, dairy products, and sugar/sweeteners. Canada is Nebraskas largest export market for ethanol and dog and cat food.
Here is a breakdown of Nebraskas top six agricultural exports to Canada and Mexico (combined):
Corn: $315 million
Beef: $246.6 million
Soybeans and Soybean Products: $217.6 million
Sugars and Sweeteners: $124.2 million
Ethanol: $88.5 million
Pork: $78.3 million