WASHINGTON – A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators, led by John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Angus King (I-Maine), is calling for a federal investigation into Canadian trade practices they claim are unfairly harming American potato farmers.

In a letter to the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), the coalition of 12 senators requested a “Section 332” fact-finding investigation. They allege that Canadian subsidies and “unrealistic” antidumping duties—particularly in British Columbia—have created an uneven playing field for producers in the Upper Midwest and Northeast.

The move is strategically timed ahead of the upcoming USMCA joint review. Lawmakers argue that a formal report is necessary to ensure the multi-million dollar trading relationship remains “stable and rules-based.”

“This investigation will provide the facts necessary to ensure our U.S.-Canadian trading relationship is fair and balanced,” said Gary Shields, Executive Director of the Northland Potato Growers Association.