Calling it discriminatory against Mexican producers, Mexico’s ministry of economy has announced it is rejecting the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) newly finalized “Product of USA” labeling rule that stipulates the terms “Product of USA” or “Made in the USA” may only be used on meat, poultry, and egg products derived from animals raised, slaughtered, and processed in the United States.
The agency, calling on USDA to reconsider, said the new rule could create barriers in binational production chains, in particular, to Mexican exports of live cattle and beef and its derivatives which, in 2023, amounted to $3 billion dollars.
The agency further stated that the rule may result in food chain disruptions, as well as logistical complications and additional costs. This, it said, would ultimately end up being paid by Mexican producers as well as all American consumers.
Mexico’s Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) also expressed disappointment and concern about the finalized USDA rule, saying the measure does not take into consideration the deep integration of the livestock and meat industries of North America.
Both the ministry of economy and SADER said the rule is inconsistent with U.S. obligations to the World Trade Organization (WTO), as well as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
SADER said it is ready assist the ministry of economy and the ministry of foreign affairs to defend…
