Mexico
The emphasis on domestic agriculture reflects a broader trend in Mexican policy that could challenge existing trade agreements and alter the dynamics of agricultural exports between the two countries.
Mexico is self-sufficient in white corn, used to make the country’s staple tortilla, but imports genetically-modified yellow corn from the United States which is used largely to feed livestock.
Mexico came in with another big buy of U.S. corn on Friday. USDA reported a sale of 781,322 metric tons of corn for delivery to Mexico.
The latest AEM numbers suggest concerns about falling farmer demand for new machines were not overblown.
We hope that President-elect Sheinbaum will realize how much agriculture matters, the value created and how helping farmers thrive can help Mexico be better too.
“Mexico’s decree, which runs counter to scientific findings and is in direct violation of USMCA, is negatively impacting American corn growers,” said Tom Haag, NCGA president.
In Mexico, corn is much more than a food crop—it’s a key part of the country’s heritage, culture and traditions. Mexico argues glyphosate and GMOs are dangerous to human health, and seeks alternative practices.
During a bilateral meeting on Thursday, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai discussed with Mexico’s Secretary of Economy Tatiana Clouthier various issues concerning energy and biotech corn.
Representatives from the U.S., Mexico and Canada will meet in Cancun, Mexico this week to discuss a series of disputes, including Mexican energy and biotech policies and Canadian dairy barriers.
Mexico reached an agreement with food manufacturers to use only non-GMO corn in tortilla production across the country. The government says it plans to implement new import tariffs on white corn imports.