The United States has recently responded to Mexico’s legal arguments against the use of transgenic corn, stating that they are not based on relevant international standards, science, or the T-MEC laws. In a document over 100 pages long, the US side respectfully requested the panel to conclude that Mexico’s barriers to genetically modified corn are incompatible with its commitments to the T-MEC.
Mexico was once part of the international scientific community that considered genetically modified crops safe for consumption by humans, animals, and plants. However, in February 2023, Mexico announced modifications to its decree, allowing the use of transgenic corn as fodder and food production for animals but maintaining the ban on products for human consumption such as tortillas. The US argued that Mexico’s approach is vague and imprecise in identifying risks associated with genetically modified corn consumption.
The US also pointed out that Mexico’s alleged measures have commercial effects. The implementation of the Corn Act 2023 led to a significant decrease in white corn exports from the US to Mexico. The US argues that Mexico’s actions constitute arbitrary discrimination between countries and have impacted trade relations between the two nations. The formal arbitration process is set to return a preliminary verdict in September and a final verdict in November.
