The United States plans to request formal negotiations over Mexican plans to limit imports of genetically modified corn as part of its free trade agreement with Mexico, Bloomberg reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The request could come as early as Monday, Bloomberg reported. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Trade Representative’s office was not immediately available for comment, and the White House had no immediate comment.
The U.S. previously threatened the panel with a trade dispute under a trilateral agreement with Mexico and Canada that plans to ban GM corn for human consumption.
Mexico says the disagreement with Washington is politically motivated.
US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has said that if the talks fail, a trade dispute panel under the free trade agreement will be the next step.
U.S. Trade Representative Catherine Doi held talks with Mexican Economy Secretary Raquel Buenrostro late last month.
Corn for food purposes accounts for about 21% of Mexican corn imports from the United States, according to a representative of the National Corn Growers Association, citing data from the American Grains Council.
“Passionate analyst. Thinker. Devoted twitter evangelist. Wannabe music specialist.”
More Stories
From Concept to Creation: Designing Your Signature Acrylic Nails
How to Care for Your Marginated Tortoise Year-Round
Biden and Xi want to sit down one last time