The Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) and North American Equipment Dealers Assn. (NAEDA) each released statements on Nov. 5, 2025 in support of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. In addition, AED provided commentary on Canada's federal budget.
AED Responds to Canada's Federal Budget Announcement
Today on Parliament Hill, Associated Equipment Distributors (AED), representing U.S. and Canadian equipment dealers and manufacturers, shared its response to the federal government’s 2025 budget announcement. AED is one of the largest U.S./Canadian trade associations and a supporter of free trade between Canada and the U.S. The association’s president outlined how the budget measures will impact the competitiveness of the North America infrastructure, construction, agriculture, and mining sectors.
“AED is one of thelargest Canadian/American trade associations fighting for a free trade environment on both sides of the border. This morning, we are in Ottawa, with a joint delegation of Canadian and American members to deliver a message aimed at economic prosperity and economic growth,” stated AED President and CEO Brian P. McGuire.
Overall AED commended the Federal Budget for:
- The increased emphasis on overall business growth.
- The investment in overall infrastructure and trade infrastructure.
- The commitment to faster approval for major projects.
- The reinstatement of Accelerated Investment Incentive.
“Overall, our members are pleased to see an intensified focus on building a more competitive Canadian economy than in recent Federal Budgets. This approach will strengthen the overall North American economy,” stated McGuire.
“AED members are particularly supportive of the Budget’s investments in infrastructure and trade infrastructure. Canada was long overdue to invest in infrastructure that can fuel economic growth. An infrastructure investment of $115B over five years is a serious approach to powering economic and trade ambitions,” outlined Craig Drury, past AED chairman and prominent Canadian member.
AED also underscored its support of the announced Federal Major Projects Office, “The government has launched the Major Projects Office to fast-track nation-building projects, and Build Canada Homes, which should help double the pace of construction over the next decade. These are positive announcements and commitments of which our industry will hold the government accountable. It cannot be business as usual on major infrastructure projects. We support this change of direction,” said Canadian AED Board Member, Michael Rugeroni. “AEDAlso supports the Reinstatement of the Accelerated Investment Incentive, which provides an enhanced first-year write-off for most capital assets.”
Finally, AED made clear its pro-free-trade message, “AED has made clear to the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate and the Administration, that free trade is essential for AED members and the industries we serve on both sides of the border. AED believes that the CUSMA/USMCA agreement is foundational to the success of both economies of Canada and the U.S. Members are here to help ensure that message is delivered to all governments. AED members serve the North American infrastructure, construction, agriculture, and mining sectors that all require free trade to succeed,” concluded Jerry Donlon, current AED Chairman.
NAEDA Urges Renewal of USMCA to Preserve Agricultural & Economic Growth Across North America
NAEDA has submitted formal comments to Ambassador Jamieson Greer, U.S. Trade Representative, as part of the U.S. government’s public consultation process ahead of the upcoming joint review of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Representing approximately 4,500 farm, industrial, and outdoor power equipment dealers throughout North America, NAEDA underscored the USMCA’s pivotal role in strengthening trade, promoting job creation, and supporting the agricultural and equipment sectors across all three countries.
“The USMCA has proven to be a cornerstone of stability and competitiveness for American farmers, ranchers, and equipment dealers,” said NAEDA CEO, Brett Davis. “We urge U.S. trade officials to reaffirm their commitment to this vital agreement and ensure its renewal without disruption.”
USMCA’s Proven Success
When the USMCA entered into force, it was hailed as the most comprehensive and high-standard trade agreement ever negotiated. Nearly six years later, the data confirm its success.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, since USMCA’s ratification:
- U.S. exports to Canada and Mexico have increased by 46% overall.
- U.S. agricultural exports to Mexico have grown by 9.3% annually, and to Canada by 5.7% annually between 2019 and 2024.
These increases demonstrate how the USMCA has rebalanced trade to benefit American farmers, ranchers, and small businesses, including thousands of equipment dealers who collectively support more than 120,000 direct jobs across the U.S.
Support for Renewal
NAEDA expressed strong support for renewal of the USMCA and its zero-tariff treatment of equipment and agricultural products among the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
The association emphasized that many agricultural equipment products used by U.S. farmers are manufactured domestically, with roughly one-third of U.S.-made equipment intended for export. In addition, U.S. dealers rely on a seamless flow of imported equipment and parts from Canada and Mexico to meet the needs of farmers and ranchers throughout the growing season.
“Zero-tariff access has expanded the competitiveness of U.S. agriculture and manufacturing,” said Davis. “The success of our dealers and the farmers they serve depends on the certainty and continuity of this agreement.”
Commitment to North American Growth
NAEDA urged the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to affirm the importance of the original agreement by completing the review and renewal process without delay.
“The USMCA has delivered predictability, growth, and opportunity,” added Davis. “Doubling down on its success will ensure continued prosperity for American agriculture, equipment dealers, and the broader North American economy.”
Related Content
[Podcast] A Conversation with AED’s Brian McGuire
[Podcast] A Conversation with NAEDA’s Brett Davis
