Canada announced it will partner with the U.S. in a trade dispute over Mexico’s proposed limitations on genetically modified (GM) corn imports. This action follows unsuccessful talks between the U.S. and Mexico.
Mexico plans to ban GM corn for human consumption and potentially animal feed, a move that Canada and the U.S. argue could disrupt North American trade and violate the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
“Canada shares the U.S. concerns that Mexico’s measures lack scientific support and could disrupt trade,” stated the Canadian Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
Mexico, a leading importer of US’s GM corn, claims potential health risks associated with GM corn but has not yet presented supporting evidence.
In February, Mexico’s Economy Department revised rules to remove a date for phasing out GM feed corn imports, previously causing concerns about a possible ban by 2024 or 2025 Q1. However, the aim of eventually replacing GM corn still remains, potentially increasing meat prices in inflation-struck Mexico.
The new regulations have caused unease among U.S. farmers who risk losing their largest export market for corn. Mexico annually imports about $3 billion worth of GM feed corn from the U.S.
Despite disputes, Mexico is moving forward with its intention to continue the ban on imports of GM seed grains to protect their native corn varieties.
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