STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR SALAZAR – U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico

USTR has requested technical consultations with the Mexican government under the USMCA Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Chapter to discuss Mexico’s recent agricultural biotechnology measures. These consultations represent an opportunity to address US concerns about Mexico’s biotechnology policy and underscore our shared commitment to a science-based regulatory approach. Technical consultations under Article 9.19 of the USMCA provide for a dialogue of at least 30 days as a prelude to invoking dispute resolution procedures under Chapter 31 of the USMCA. The duration of these talks is unlimited if the two governments agree to continue. I call on Mexico to seize this opportunity and provide the technical resources and expertise needed to successfully resolve these important issues.

Statement from USTR:

https://ustr.gov/about-us/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2023/march/ustr-announces-usmca-technical-consultations-mexico-agricultural-biotechnology

Statement by US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack:

https://www.fas.usda.gov/newsroom/statement-secretary-vilsack-regarding-usmca-consultation-request-mexico

Full text of the USMCA:

https://www.gob.mx/t-mec/acciones-y-programas/textos-finales-del-tratado-entre-mexico-estados-unidos-y-canada-t-mec-202730?state=published