Mexico revokes GMO corn restrictions after row with US

By AFP

Mexico has scrapped restrictions on the use of genetically modified corn for human consumption after a dispute resolution panel in December upheld a US complaint that they violated a free trade agreement.

The Mexican government also rescinded an order to gradually phase out the use of GMO maize for animal feed and industrial food production, according to an announcement late Wednesday in the official gazette.

The dispute settlement panel was established in 2023 after a Mexican decree called for a ban on the use of genetically engineered corn in dough and tortillas, and gave instructions to phase out the use of such corn for other food purposes.

Under the rules of a North American free trade deal officially known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Mexico had 45 days to comply with the findings.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative on Thursday welcomed the outcome and said it would "continue to monitor closely Mexico's compliance with its USMCA commitments."

The US win comes against a backdrop of mounting trade tensions following President Donald Trump's threat to impose 25-percent tariffs on Mexican goods unless it does more to tackle illegal migration and drug smuggling.

Mexico is the biggest US export market for corn, which occupies a prominent part of diets in the Latin American nation, where it is consumed by many on a daily basis.