In a trade dispute with Mexico over genetically modified maize, Canada would support the United States, the country’s trade minister said on Friday.
In response to Mexico’s intentions to ban the use of transgenic corn in tortillas or dough, the United States this week announced the creation of a dispute resolution body under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Mary Ng, the minister of international trade for Canada, said that her country will take part “as a third party in the dispute settlement proceedings initiated by the United States.”
She said that Canada and the US are both concerned about Mexico’s alleged violations of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
The restrictions implemented by Mexico, according to Canada, “are not supported by science and may unnecessarily disrupt trade in the North American market,” she added.
Mexico is a key importer of yellow corn from the United States, where the majority of maize is genetically modified.
Mexico said in February that it will progressively phase out the use of genetically modified maize in goods intended for human consumption and animal feed.
Issue-solving discussions came up empty.