A Mexican trade delegation recently signed a deal to buy two 30,000 metric ton shipments of corn from Brazil. In fact, Mexico is expected to import a record amount of corn from Brazil this year as they look to other export sources in reaction to the renegotiation of NAFTA. South Dakota Corn Growers Association President Troy Knecht of Houghton says Mexico is the leading customer for U.S. corn and so it’s important to avoid any trade disruptions.

Knecht says NAFTA has been positive for the corn industry and as the administration renegotiates the deal they need to protect U.S. agriculture and the corn industry.

He’s optimistic U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and a new USDA Undersecretary for Trade will be able to help the U.S. achieve trade gains for agriculture.

Knecht says trade is the key for helping agriculture come out of the current low price cycle.