NPPC Prepares to Collaborate with Trump Administration and 119th Congress on Critical Pork Industry Issues
National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) officers were in Washington, D.C., for Donald Trump’s swearing-in as the 47th President of the United States. The event marked the beginning of a new administration, with NPPC ready to address issues of importance to U.S. pork producers.
The delegation included NPPC President and Minnesota producer Lori Stevermer, President-Elect and Ohio producer Duane Stateler, Vice President and Iowa producer Rob Brenneman, and Immediate Past President and Missouri producer Scott Hays. Beyond the inaugural ceremony, the officers attended the “Bipartisan Inaugural Ball Celebrating American Agriculture,” where they engaged with agricultural policymakers and industry leaders. The group also met with Canadian embassy officials, discussing key trade and agricultural policies.
“NPPC is eager to work with the Trump administration and the 119th Congress to address critical issues for American pork producers,” said the NPPC leadership.
Trump Administration to Reinstate “America First” Trade Policy
Proposed Trade Policy Adjustments Could Have Significant Impacts on U.S. Pork Exports
President Donald Trump has initiated plans to bring back his “America First” trade policy from his previous term. In a memorandum to key departments, Trump outlined steps to revamp U.S. trade practices and address ongoing trade deficits.
Key actions proposed include:
- Investigating the causes of the nation’s annual trade deficits.
- Establishing an External Revenue Service to manage tariffs, duties, and trade revenues.
- Reviewing unfair trade practices and proposing remedies.
- Assessing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for its impact on American agriculture and recommending potential revisions. (Trump has proposed a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico starting February 1.)
- Recommending updates to current trade agreements to maintain equitable trade balances.
- Exploring new bilateral and sector-specific trade agreements to expand market access for American farmers and businesses.
The memorandum also called for a review of China’s Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status, signaling potential changes to the U.S.-China trade dynamic.
Why Trade Policy Matters for U.S. Pork Producers
International trade plays a vital role in the economic health of the U.S. pork industry. In 2023, pork exports supported more than 140,000 American jobs and contributed over $15.6 billion to the U.S. economy. Each hog marketed in the U.S. generates an average of $64 in value from exports.
Mexico and Canada remain top destinations for U.S. pork products, with exports to Mexico totaling more than $2.3 billion in 2023 and $875 million in products shipped to Canada. These established trade relationships are critical to the industry’s success.
NPPC leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining and expanding market access. “U.S. pork producers have worked tirelessly to develop these mutually beneficial trade relationships,” they noted. “We will continue to monitor the Trump administration’s proposals and advocate for comprehensive trade deals that remove barriers and support the growth of pork exports.”
With the U.S. pork industry relying heavily on global trade, the NPPC will stay vigilant in promoting policies that protect and enhance market opportunities for producers.
