From the Desk of Beth Richardson

As Canada’s Consul General representing Canada in Iowa, I am delighted to share with ABI’s members our vibrant relationship with the Hawkeye State.

Why does Canada matter to Iowa? Last year, Canadians purchased over $5 billion worth of goods from Iowa’s farmers, small businesses, and large corporations, accounting for 30% of the state's total exports. Canada buys more from Iowa than your next two largest markets, Mexico and Japan, and you currently enjoy a trade surplus with Canada, selling more to us than we sell to you. 

A tangible example of our mutually beneficial trade relationship is biofuels. Iowa leads the nation in production, but it’s not all used domestically; much of it is exported to us! Overall, Canada is the top market for U.S. renewable fuels, buying over half of all U.S. ethanol and bio-based diesel exports. This represents a huge market for U.S. corn and soybeans, helps Canada meet its growing demand, and supports North American energy security. 

The presence of 184 Canadian-owned companies in Iowa further highlights the depth of our economic integration. Canadian businesses employ over 4,000 Iowans and contribute tax revenues to municipalities and counties across the state. Many companies rely on high-quality Canadian inputs for their manufacturing and production; consider Grain Millers in St. Ansgar or General Mills and Quaker in Cedar Rapids, all of which use Canadian grains to produce the delicious breakfast cereals and snacks that we all enjoy.

Canada’s strong livestock sector relies on animal feed imported from Iowa to grow hearty, healthy animals like weanling pigs. Many of those pigs are then imported to Iowa, where they are raised and processed. The final step? The pork is sold back to Canadians to enjoy. We don’t just sell finished products to one another – our economies are so deeply integrated that we are actually making things together.

In short, the Canada-U.S. trade and investment relationship supports Iowa businesses in every congressional district and contributes significantly to the economic well-being of both regions. We’re keen to continue this partnership and find new ways to work together to ensure this trade continues to benefit citizens on both sides of our border.

My country’s new government is committed to building a future that reaffirms Canada’s strengths, enhances our competitiveness and ensures Canada’s long-term prosperity. We’re focused on reducing internal trade barriers, building new partnerships around the world and encouraging our companies to take full advantage of our 15 international free trade agreements, covering 51 countries, to diversify. At the same time, we remain committed to maintain our strong economic connections with Iowa. President Trump and Prime Minister Carney met for a second time at the G7 on June 16 and reaffirmed their intention to negotiating a new trade and security deal within thirty days.