The Mexican government said it is prepared to defend its ban on U.S. genetically modified corn.
Agricensus reports the Ministry of Agriculture’s Undersecretary of Food Self-Sufficiency held a news conference on Thursday.
“If necessary, the Mexican government, if the United States government calls for it, will go to the dispute panel, but we will not cede in something that is vital as a right of our country and as a right of our people,” said Victor Suárez.
He claims the U.S. opposition to the glyphosate ban has more to do with large seed firms than American farmers, and presented 2020 data that suggests four companies control half of the world’s seeds.
“The U.S. government’s argument that prompted formal trade talks is that Mexico’s self-sufficiency policies and the presidential decree at hand affect U.S. corn producers and hinder bilateral trade,” said Suárez. “These arguments that the U.S. government presents are false.”
Suárez added that the volume and value of imports have been more than substantial and trending higher.
According to USDA export data, Mexico accounts for more than a third of U.S. corn exports so far this marketing year.
As for a formal dispute under the USMCA trade agreement, the technical consultation period is over. It is now up to the U.S. Trade Rep’s office to file a formal dispute.
