Mexico Bans Planting of GM Corn, Raising Tensions with U.S.

Mexico’s lower house of Congress has approved a constitutional reform to ban the planting of genetically modified (GM) corn, a move that could escalate tensions with the United States following a recent trade dispute resolution.

The initiative, introduced by President Claudia Sheinbaum, was passed with 409 votes in favor and 69 against. It designates native corn as a key element of Mexico’s national identity while formally prohibiting the cultivation of GM corn within the country.

This decision comes after a trade-dispute panel ruled in December that Mexico’s restrictions on GM corn imports violated the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). In response, Mexico lifted its ban on importing GM corn for human consumption, livestock feed, and industrial use. However, Sheinbaum’s reform reinforces the government’s stance on domestic cultivation, citing concerns over the contamination of native corn strains.

The reform, which now heads to the Senate for final approval, states that any other use of GM corn must undergo evaluation to ensure it does not threaten Mexico’s biosecurity, health, or cultural heritage.

Mexico imports approximately $5 billion worth of GM corn annually from the U.S., primarily for livestock feed. Analysts warn that the new ban could provoke further disputes with Washington, as it extends beyond planting to the broader use of GM corn.

The Agricultural Markets Consulting Group (GCMA) cautioned that Mexico’s insistence on restricting GM corn could lead to retaliatory measures from the U.S., its primary supplier of yellow corn.

“Following the adverse USMCA ruling, these restrictions create uncertainty and could trigger retaliatory actions by the U.S. government,” GCMA said in a recent report.

The Senate’s final decision on the reform will determine the extent of its impact on Mexico-U.S. trade relations.