Last week, Mexican officials issued a decree calling for a ban on imports of some biotech corn used for certain purposes. That ban began last Friday.
The Mexican government also decreed it would continue to allow imports of biotech corn used as animal feed while exploring substitutes.
The National Corn Growers Association expressed serious concerns with the accelerated timeline, noting that the administration has been more than patient with Mexico.
“Our U.S. officials are seeking to enforce a rules-based trading system and stand up for farmers,” says NCGA President Tom Haag. “The integrity of the USMCA, signed by Mexican President Obrador himself, is at stake.”
He also says singling out corn, the number one U.S. ag export to Mexico, and hastening an import ban on numerous food-grade uses makes USMCA a dead letter unless it’s enforced. NCGA says Mexico appears to be doubling down on its original intended ban in 2024.