The United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that for the benefit of the nutrition and health of US consumers, "they will not launch an investigation under Section 301 of the US Trade Act against the import of fruits and vegetables of Mexican origin."
In this regard, the Mexican Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader) highlighted the efforts of the Secretariat of Economy and Foreign Affairs to defend the rights of Mexican producers within the framework of the Mexico, United States, and Canada Treaty (T-MEC). In a statement, it said that the delegation of the State of Florida was the one that requested the launch of the investigation under Section 301 before the US Congress.
"This decision will help ensure the supply of fruits and vegetables to the US market, especially during the autumn-winter season." According to the Sader, in 2021, Mexican exports of fresh fruits and vegetables to the United States amounted to 11 million tons worth more than 16 billion dollars.
He added that the T-MEC has maximized each country's comparative advantages and has contributed to the development of resilient supply chains that make our agro-food sectors complementary and allow the inhabitants of North America to have access to nutritious, safe, and high-quality food at affordable prices all year round.
The Sader warned that "given the current global inflationary pressure, it is imperative to avoid disruptions that can jeopardize these balances, limit the food supply and result in higher food prices. The current environment and the rapid increase in food prices are making it even more important for Mexico and the United States to work together for the benefit of public health and ensure that the most vulnerable part of the population continues to have access to a nutritious diet.
Source: gob.mx