The US Takes Mexico to Arbitration over Legal Challenges on Transgenic Corn Use
In recent weeks, the United States has responded to Mexico’s legal challenges against the use of transgenic corn, arguing that they are not based on relevant international standards, science, or the T-MEC laws. The US submitted a 100-page document outlining their case and respectfully requesting the panel to rule that Mexico’s restrictions on genetically modified corn are incompatible with its commitments to the T-MEC.
According to the US, genetically modified crops have been deemed safe for consumption by humans, animals, and plants by the international scientific community for many years. Mexico was once part of this community until it decided to ban them without scientific basis. In February 2023, Mexico announced modifications to its decree, allowing transgenic corn as fodder and food production for animals but maintaining the ban on products for human consumption such as tortillas.
The US argues that Mexico’s approach is vague and imprecise in identifying risks associated with genetically modified corn consumption. The country also points out that Mexico’s alleged measures have commercial effects, citing a significant decrease in white corn exports from the US to Mexico following the implementation of the Corn Act 2023. The US believes that these 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.
