NGFA: Resolution of sugar dispute with Mexico sets positive tone for NAFTA talks

ARLINGTON, Va., June 6, 2017 – The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) today commended U.S. and Mexican negotiators for reaching an agreement in principle addressing U.S. imports of Mexican sugar, saying that once finalized it will help remove a significant trade irritant as all-important negotiations to modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement begin later this summer.

“We commend Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo and their teams for their determination, persistence and diligence in reaching this sugar-suspension agreement,” said NGFA President Randy Gordon. “This positive outcome shows what can be accomplished when trade negotiators engage in good faith discussions and share a mutual commitment to reach a successful outcome that preserves food and agricultural trade and enhances economic growth and job creation in North America.

“In addition to preserving corn, corn products, meat and other U.S. food and agricultural trade with Mexico, Secretary Ross’s and Minister Guajardo’s success in reaching this agreement in principle is highly significant in creating a conducive, can-do environment as the United States, Canada and Mexico prepare to begin vitally important talks to modernize NAFTA in mid-August,” Gordon said.

-30-

The NGFA, established in 1896, consists of more than 1,050 grain, feed, processing, exporting and other grain-related companies that operate more than 7,000 facilities and handle more than 70 percent of all U.S. grains and oilseeds. Its membership includes grain elevators; feed and feed ingredient manufacturers; biofuels companies; grain and oilseed processors and millers; exporters; livestock and poultry integrators; and associated firms that provide goods and services to the nation’s grain, feed and processing industry. The NGFA also consists of 29 affiliated State and Regional Grain and Feed Associations, and has strategic alliances with Pet Food Institute and North American Export Grain Association.