Mexico drops restrictions on genetically modified corn imports
Mexico's government published the repeal on Wednesday
7 February 2025
1 minute read
By: Mexico has repealed import restrictions on genetically modified corn for human, livestock and industrial uses following a US victory in a North America trade panel dispute, reported Reuters.
Former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador first banned such imports then reversed course to ban only those destined for human consumption.
The US has been a major exporter of genetically modified yellow corn to Mexico, mostly for livestock feed and industrial uses, and lodged a dispute under the USMCA North American trade accord over Mexico's move.
In December, a USMCA panel ruled that the Mexican government's limits violated the trade agreement.
Mexico's government published the repeal of its restrictions in its official gazette on Wednesday to comply with the decision.
Mexico, the birthplace of modern corn, prohibits commercial planting of genetically modified corn strains, arguing they will contaminate native strains of the grain.
President Claudia Sheinbaum told reporters Thursday that her government was considering adding such a prohibition to the constitution.
