In a step to defuse trade tensions with the United States, Mexico removed a looming ban on most imports of GMO corn and said it would only block genetically modified corn that would be used in making tortillas. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Tuesday the USDA was dissatisfied by the revisions.
The United States has threatened repeatedly to file a complaint against Mexico for violating the US-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement because of the corn regulations.
“Upon initial review, USDA is disappointed in Mexico’s new decree regarding genetically modified corn,” said Vilsack. “The United States believes in and adheres to a science-based, rules-based trading system and remains committed to preventing disruptions to bilateral agricultural trade and economic harm to U.S. and Mexican producers. We are carefully reviewing the details of the new decree and intend to work with USTR to ensure our science-based, rules-based commitment remains firm.”
Mexico is the leading market for U.S. corn exports. The lion’s share of U.S. corn is grown with genetically modified seeds.
The Economic Ministry announced the revisions on Monday night, saying they would provide clarity about Mexico’s goal of preserving its biocultural heritage as the birthplace of corn and protect “a central input in the culture of Mexicans.”
“The decree prohibits the use of genetically modified corn for dough and tortillas,” said the ministry. It said Mexico “is more than self-sufficient in the production of GM-free white corn,” used in tortillas, an everyday food in the country.
As far as yellow corn, used as livestock feed and by industrial processors, “the deadline to prohibit its use is eliminated.” An import ban was scheduled to take effect next January.
The National Corn Growers Association said the integrity of the USMCA was at stake. “Singling out corn — our number one ag export to Mexico — and hastening an import ban on numerous food-grade uses makes USMCA a deal letter unless it’s enforced,” said the farm group.