According to Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico and the US aim for an agreement in January to provide clarity on the matter.
Last year, Mexico decided to ban the import of both genetically modified corn and glyphosate starting in 2024. The United States considers this to be in conflict with the USMCA trade agreement with Mexico and Canada.
With an import volume of around 17 million tons per year, Mexico is one of the largest buyers of corn from the US.
US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said that the United States is prepared to initiate legal action against Mexico if the country is unwilling to reconsider its decision on the import of genetically modified corn. He warned Mexico that such a case would lead to an escalation of trade disputes between the two countries.
Vilsack also said that the United States is willing to negotiate a solution. According to US media, Mexico would be willing to delay the ban by one year and partially compensate American grain farmers.
The ban on the import of genetically modified corn will have significant consequences for the agricultural sector in the United States. American farmers largely depend on exports to Mexico for their sales.
The United States has urged reconsideration of the Mexican decision. In January, the Mexican negotiating delegation is expected to return to Washington.