The U.S. Trade Representative?s Office Monday requested technical consultations with the Government of Mexico under the U.S.?Mexico?Canada Agreement. The consultations, as part of the USMCA Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Chapter, are aimed at Mexico?s ban on genetically modified corn. Trade Representative Katherine Tai says, ?Mexico?s policies threaten to disrupt billions of dollars in agricultural trade and they will stifle the innovation that is necessary to tackle the climate crisis and food security challenges if left unaddressed.? Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack responded, ?These consultations represent the next step in addressing the United States? concerns with Mexico?s biotechnology policies,? while adding, ?We remain firm in our view that Mexico?s current biotechnology trajectory is not grounded in science, which is the foundation of USMCA.? The U.S. government?s intention is that through the consultation process, USTR can reach an outcome that respects each country?s sovereignty and benefits the United States, Mexico, and U.S. agricultural producers and stakeholders.
USTR requests consultations with Mexico, Vilsack responds
