The US request came in a letter sent by USTR on January 30 to Mexico’s Ministry of Economy requesting scientific evidence of the bans and risk assessments to support the decisions, which are mandatory under the agreement. trade started in 2020. Mexico “rejected 14 different samples of agricultural products that were presented to it and did not provide any justification,” McKalip told Reuters.
“We want to make sure they do the science, show their work and make decisions based on risk assessments,” he added.
The US request comes just days after McKalip and other USTR officials met with Mexican officials and raised concerns about their biotech approach, warning that they could take formal steps to strengthen trade rights under USMCA.
The letter marks a step in this direction; Other steps include seeking formal consultations on the dispute or requesting a dispute resolution panel to determine whether Mexico’s policies violate the trade agreement. “We’re very focused on this. It’s a big priority for this administration,” McKalip said.
