U.S. formally requests USMCA dispute settlement with Mexico over ag biotech measures

The U.S. is escalating its conflict with Mexico over agricultural biotech measures, including the country’s stance on GMO corn, by requesting dispute settlement consultations, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai announced. The U.S. has officially requested dispute settlement consultations with Mexico under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). If the consultations fail to resolve disagreements within 75 days, the U.S. can request a dispute settlement panel to decide the case.

“The United States has repeatedly conveyed its concerns that Mexico’s biotechnology policies are not based on science and threaten to disrupt U.S. exports to Mexico to the detriment of agricultural producers, which in turn can exacerbate food security challenges. Mexico’s biotechnology policies also stifle agricultural innovation that helps American farmers respond to pressing climate challenges, increase farm productivity, and improve farmers’ livelihoods,” said Tai. “We will continue to work with the Mexican government through these consultations to resolve our concerns and help ensure consumers can continue to access safe and affordable food and agricultural products.”