U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins expressed concerns over Mexico’s proposed constitutional amendment to ban genetically modified (GM) corn, fearing it could impact U.S. corn exports. Rollins highlighted the importance of the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship and stressed the need for Mexico to import more U.S. agricultural products. Mexico’s lower house of Congress recently passed the reform, which could reignite trade tensions with the United States. The ban on GM corn, primarily used for livestock feed, could have significant trade implications as 95% of Mexico’s corn imports come from the U.S.
The proposed GM corn ban in Mexico follows a December ruling by a trade-dispute panel under the USMCA, which found Mexico’s restrictions on GM corn imports to be in violation of the agreement. While Mexico has lifted import restrictions on GM corn for human, livestock, and industrial use, the constitutional reform goes further by embedding the ban into Mexico’s Constitution. This legislation designates native corn as an “element of national identity” and prohibits the planting of GM corn nationwide. The move has the potential to create uncertainty in trade relations between the U.S. and Mexico, with analysts warning of possible retaliatory measures by the U.S. government.
Mexico is a major buyer of U.S. corn, importing around $5 billion worth of GM corn annually, primarily for livestock feed. The reform in Mexico, which has been championed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, could have a significant impact on U.S. corn exports, particularly from states like Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas, and Louisiana. These states are among the top corn exporters to Mexico, and any restrictions on U.S. corn exports could have economic implications for both countries. With trade relationships between the U.S. and Mexico already under strain due to tariffs and other trade disputes, the GM corn ban could further complicate matters.
The legislation banning GM corn in Mexico was approved by a decisive vote in the lower house of Congress and was also passed in the Senate. It now awaits approval by the local legislatures of at least 17 of Mexico’s 32 states. The ruling party, Morena, holds a majority in many of these states, making it likely for the measure to be approved. The text of Mexico’s reform emphasizes the need to evaluate any other use of genetically modified corn to ensure it does not pose threats to biosecurity, health, or Mexico’s biocultural heritage. The passage of this reform could have far-reaching implications for the agricultural industry in both the U.S. and Mexico, and it remains to be seen how the two countries will navigate this new challenge in their trade relationship.
Brooke Rollins’ meeting with Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development highlights the complexities of the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship, particularly in the agricultural sector. With tariffs and trade disputes already causing uncertainty for businesses that rely on manufacturing and supply chains in Mexico and Canada, the proposed GM corn ban in Mexico adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The U.S. agricultural industry, which depends on exports to Mexico, is closely watching the developments and seeking assurances that the ban will not restrict U.S. corn exports. As trade tensions continue to simmer between the two countries, finding a resolution that satisfies both parties will be crucial for maintaining a strong and mutually beneficial trade relationship.
