The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced it will initiate technical consultations with Mexico regarding the country’s forthcoming ban on genetically modified corn.
As part of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), technical consultations for biotechnology issues are required before any dispute settlement can be pursued.
US Sen. Deb Fischer said she appreciates “the Biden Administration for taking the issue seriously”.
“I’ve been clear from the start – the United States cannot accept Mexico’s unscientific ban against genetically modified corn,” US Sen. Fischer said. “It’s a flagrant violation of USMCA, and if allowed would set a dangerous precedent for enforcement of U.S. international trade agreements.”
“Until Mexico relents, we should be prepared to pursue a full dispute settlement.”
Rep. Adrian Smith said this announcement should have come sooner.
“Nonetheless, this is an important step toward formal dispute consultations, and I appreciate Ambassador Tai’s attention to this matter,” Rep. Smith said. “We must hold our trading partners to their commitments and lead from a position of strength. I hope this is an inflection point for the administration and marks movement toward a more aggressive and proactive trade agenda across the board”