U.S. continues to challenge Mexico’s proposed GMO corn ban

U.S. trade representatives have engaged in a dispute with their Mexican counterparts over Mexico's 2023 ban on genetically modified (GMO) corn for certain food products, a move that has been challenged under the USMCA agreement. This dispute, initiated by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and state corn groups, hinges on Mexico's lack of scientific evidence to justify the ban, with the U.S. arguing that GMO corn is safe and that the ban is protectionist in nature. The outcome of the panel hearing is anticipated later in the year, with potential implications for the bilateral trade relationship and the U.S. corn market.

U.S. Trade Representatives clashed with Mexican officials this week during oral arguments over Mexico’s controversial ban on genetically modified corn used in certain food products. The ban, issued in early 2023, has been a point of contention, leading the U.S. to file a dispute settlement under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in August of the same year. This move followed persistent advocacy from the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and various state corn groups. “The science overwhelmingly shows that genetically modified corn is safe for consumers and does not harm native plants,” Minnesota farmer and NCGA president Harold Wolle said in a NCGA news release. “U.S. officials did an excellent job of making their case, and more importantly, they successfully argued that the Mexican government does not have the scientific evidence to support its actions or claims.” Mexico’s proposed ban on genetically modified (GMO) corn, set to take effect in 2024, aims to phase out ...