US Wins USMCA Panel Ruling Against Mexico's Genetically Modified Corn Ban, Mexico Has 45 Days to Comply

Dec 20, 2024, 10:13 PM

The United States has prevailed in a trade dispute with Mexico over the latter's attempt to ban genetically modified corn for human consumption, as ruled by a panel under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The panel found that Mexico's measures were not based on science and undermined market access agreed upon in the USMCA. Mexico, which has been importing about $3 billion worth of genetically modified corn annually from the U.S., primarily for livestock feed, had planned to ban its use in human consumption. The Mexican government, while disagreeing with the ruling, stated it would respect the decision. The U.S. Trade Representative's Office emphasized that the ruling supports long-standing concerns about Mexico's biotechnology policies and their detrimental impact on U.S. agricultural exports, which exceed $5,000 million. Mexico has 45 days to comply with the panel's findings, or face potential trade sanctions.