Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum recently announced plans to rescind the country’s ban on genetically engineered (GE) corn imports while simultaneously implementing regulations to prohibit domestic production of GE corn. This decision comes after a dispute resolution panel under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) ruled that Mexico’s ban on GE corn imports was unjustified and violated trade agreements.
The USMCA panel found that Mexico’s ban on GE corn imports, which was purportedly implemented for public health reasons, lacked scientific basis and was instead a disguised attempt to restrict U.S. corn exports to the country. Mexico has 45 days from the ruling to align its policies with its USMCA commitments, or face potential retaliatory tariffs from the U.S.
President Sheinbaum expressed her intention to reverse the decree enacting the import ban and to work with Congress to legislate the prohibition of GE corn domestically. Mexico’s 2023 decree banning GE corn in various sectors was part of a series of measures aimed at limiting the adoption of GE crops to protect native corn species and public health.
Sheinbaum has indicated her support for codifying restrictions on GE corn through Mexico’s legislature, with a potential ban on domestic planting of GE corn being considered as early as 2025. She emphasized the importance of protecting Mexico’s biodiversity and ensuring that transgenic corn is not planted in the country.
Despite the ruling from the USMCA dispute panel, the Mexican government has stated its commitment to complying with the decision while expressing disagreement with the panel’s findings. The country’s ministries of economy and agriculture affirmed that Mexico would respect the panel’s determination, emphasizing that any ban on domestic planting of GE corn would not conflict with its USMCA commitments.
President Sheinbaum also highlighted the benefits of the USMCA in promoting cross-border trade and economic integration during her public remarks. The agreement, which is set for review in 2026, is expected to feature discussions on market access and barriers to U.S. agricultural trade between U.S., Canadian, and Mexican officials.
Republican lawmakers in the U.S. have signaled their intent to leverage the USMCA to address trade disputes, with some viewing the return of President Donald Trump as an opportunity to push Mexico on issues such as the corn dispute. They have emphasized the need for Mexico to promptly comply with USMCA rules and ensure fair market access for American corn growers.
In conclusion, the decision to rescind the ban on GE corn imports in Mexico while implementing regulations to prohibit domestic production reflects the complex interplay between trade agreements, agricultural policy, and public health concerns. The USMCA dispute panel ruling underscores the importance of scientific evidence in shaping trade policies, while also highlighting the need for countries to balance economic interests with environmental and health considerations. As Mexico navigates these challenges, collaboration with international partners and adherence to trade agreements will be crucial in fostering a sustainable and mutually beneficial agricultural sector.