The US threatens to go to a panel before the T-MEC for the corn case

The United States government threatened to resort to a dispute settlement panel if Mexico maintains restrictive measures on imports of US corn and the use of biotechnology.

The chief agricultural negotiator of the United States Trade Representative (USTRfor its acronym in English), Doug McKalipand the Assistant Secretary for Commerce and Foreign Agricultural Affairs of the United States Department of Agriculture, Alexis TaylorThey issued that warning.

Such a message was included as part of a statement after meeting with Mexican government officials regarding President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s decree to phase out the use and import of GM corn and other products. by January 31, 2024.

In a statement released Monday, the USTR said US officials continue to work with their Mexican counterparts at the highest level to address “serious concerns” with Mexico’s biotechnology policies.

The USTR also stated that the US government appreciates the active engagement between US and Mexican government officials following the trip of the US Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsackto Mexico in November, and the proposed modifications to the presidential decree shared by Mexico at the end of 2022.

“However, these changes are not enough and the approach proposed by Mexico, which is not based on science, still threatens to disrupt billions of dollars in bilateral agricultural trade, cause serious economic damage to American farmers and Mexican cattle producers, and stifle important innovations needed to help producers respond to pressing climate and food security challenges,” the USTR said.

The trip of US officials this Monday, added the USTR, further underlines the importance of resolving the matter, for which this agency conveyed the continued commitment to strengthen the economic and commercial relationship with Mexico.

In their meetings Monday, US officials reemphasized concerns previously expressed by Secretary Vilsack and the US trade representative. Katherine Tai. They expressed appreciation for the time and dedication of their Mexican counterparts in trying to find a solution.

But in the end the USTR issued its warning: “Today (Monday) we have made it clear that, if this matter is not resolved, we will consider all options, including taking formal steps to enforce our rights under the Treaty between Mexico, the United States United States and Canada.

roberto.morales@eleconomista.mx