Smith, Kildee Lead Members in Effort to Hold Mexico to Their USMCA Commitments

Washington, D.C. – Today, Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Dan Kildee (D-MI) led members of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee in a letter to United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai. In the letter, the members raise concerns about the Mexican government’s failure to adhere to their biotechnology commitments under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the need for immediate enforcement action.

Key excerpts:

We write to express concern regarding recent actions taken by the Mexican government that are inconsistent with Mexico’s United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) agricultural biotechnology commitments.

We recognize that the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) continues to monitor a series of concerning developments in Mexico. We appreciate the work done so far regarding implementation and enforcement of labor, energy, and environment USMCA obligations. We are committed to enforcing all parts of the Agreement, including the agriculture provisions related to biotech. Unfortunately, the Mexican government has not lived up to its biotech-related commitments in the USMCA. Accordingly, we urge USTR to promptly request dispute settlement consultations with Mexico on these issues.

…

The Mexican government has not maintained a science-based biotech regulatory system for the past four years and is moving forward with the implementation of a presidential decree to phase out the importation of genetically engineered corn by January 2024. These policies are not based on science and may decrease the supply of corn in North American agricultural supply chains. These actions, in addition to going against the terms of the USMCA, could increase food prices and food insecurity caused by Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine.

…

Mexico’s failure to maintain a science-based and transparent biotech regulatory regime goes beyond its treatment of corn and will have impacts across the agriculture industry. Cotton, canola, and soybeans products with biotech traits have also been hampered by inconsistency and uncertainty in Mexico’s regulatory system, which also has an impact on the price of food and goods.

…

USTR must ensure all our trading partners maintain science-based biotech regulatory systems so that our farmers can utilize American innovation to sustainably feed the world. Ignoring Mexico’s disregard for its USMCA commitments sends a signal to our other trading partners that they may take similar actions without repercussions. Improved dispute settlement provisions were a major reason for the overwhelming congressional support for the USMCA. For the reasons stated above we ask you to take enforcement action without delay.

The letter was also signed by Reps. Arrington (R-TX), Buchanan (R-FL), Danny Davis (D-IL), DelBene (D-WA), Estes (R-KS), Evans (D-PA), Ferguson (R-GA), Hern (R-OK) Kelly (R-PA), Kind (D-WI), Kustoff (R-TN), LaHood (R-IL), Carol Miller (R-WV), Murphy (R-NC), Panetta (D-CA), Pascrell (D-NJ), Plaskett (D-VI), Jason Smith (R-MO), Sewell (D-AL), Smucker (R-PA), Suozzi (D-NY), and Mike Thompson (D-CA).

Read the full letter here.  

###