The Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, expressed the possibility that Mexico could lose the panel in dispute with its American and Canadian counterparts regarding the use of genetically modified corn within the framework of the USMCA. During a conference at El Colegio de México, Ebrard acknowledged that although preliminary conclusions have been reached, the process will conclude in December.
The controversy centers on Mexico's prohibition of importing genetically modified corn for human consumption and the ban on glyphosate use, measures questioned by the United States and Canada for considering them detrimental to trade among the three countries. Despite assessing that Mexico could lose the panel on the genetically modified corn issue, Ebrard clarified that the process is still ongoing and that the preliminary conclusions are not definitive.
Ebrard maintained cautious optimism by highlighting the historical cooperation and economic benefits that the treaty has provided to the involved countries. He recalled that Mexico responded with arguments before the panel and that the process will conclude on December 14 with the publication of the conclusions reached.
A possible ruling against Mexico would force the country to reconsider its policy on genetically modified corn; however, Ebrard emphasized that the dispute resolution system implemented in the USMCA is working correctly. He highlighted a prior favorable case for Mexico in the panel regarding rules of origin in the automotive industry, where the country prevailed over the United States.
In this context, Ebrard underscored that Mexico has successfully utilized the USMCA dispute resolution system in the past and that, regardless of the outcome, it is important to highlight that the system is fulfilling its purpose of resolving trade conflicts effectively.
