Mexico’s opposition to the use of transgenic corn is being challenged by the United States, who argue that Mexico’s legal arguments are not based on relevant international standards or scientific evidence. In response to Mexico’s defense, the US has presented a 100-page document requesting that the panel of experts determine that Mexico’s barriers against genetically modified corn are incompatible with its commitments to the T-MEC.
The US claims that the international scientific community has long considered genetically modified crops to be safe for consumption and the environment. They point out that Mexico was previously part of this community until deciding to ban them without scientific basis. Recently, Mexico has softened its stance on genetically modified corn, allowing its use as fodder and for food production, but maintaining a ban on products such as tortillas.
Mexico purchases around $5 billion of corn from the US annually, most of which is transgenic yellow grain for livestock. The US responded to Mexico’s defense by stating that there is no scientific study showing that it is unsafe to eat large quantities of genetically modified corn exposed to glyphosate. They argue that Mexico employs vague and imprecise approaches in identifying risks and lacks necessary precursors for a risk assessment.
The US also points out that Mexico’s measures have had commercial effects, with significant decreases in US exports of white corn to Mexico. They claim that Mexico’s measures constitute arbitrary discrimination and go against the history of Mexico facilitating access to US corn, even genetically modified corn. The formal arbitration process is ongoing, with a preliminary verdict expected in September and a final verdict in November.
