Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
Important Step Towards Preventing Mexico’s Flagrant Trade Violation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, released the following statement after the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced it has formally requested dispute settlement consultations with Mexico on the country’s ban on genetically modified corn. As part of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), member countries can request dispute settlement consultations to resolve trade compliance issues.
“This is yet another important step towards preventing Mexico’s flagrant violation of USMCA.
“As I’ve said repeatedly, we should use every tool at our disposal to stop this unscientific and economically damaging ban on genetically modified corn from ever being enacted. Such a ban would be bad for family farmers, bad for Mexican consumers, and bad for the stability of our international trade agreements.
“I commend USTR’s actions today and the ongoing recognition that there can be zero compromise with Mexico here.”
Background:
In March, USTR requested and held technical consultations with Mexico. These technical consultations for biotechnology issues are required before any dispute settlement could be pursued.
In December, Sen. Fischer led 25 of her bipartisan Senate colleagues in calling for the administration to hold Mexico accountable, including pursuing a dispute settlement process through USMCA.