• THREAT: The promise by the US Trade Representative, Robert Lighthizer, to Florida Senators that he will begin inquiries into Mexico’s produce growers alleged distorting practices, responds to the US domestic election cycle, said President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
• PATIENCE: “Do not forget that the US is going through an election season. And that over there just like here, or in any country when there are elections, there are always statements made in that sense. So be patient”, said López Obrador told Mexico’s largest farm lobby (CNA).
• CONTEXT: Back in January, Lighthizer wrote a letter to Florida’s Senators saying that 60 days after the “entry-into-force” of the new US, Mexico, and Canada trade agreement (USMCA) information into Mexican produce growers’ practices will start being gathered.
• FORCEFUL: “We ask that in case our northern neighbor decides to take action, Mexico based on the USMCA terms…as well as the WTO’s (World Trade Organization), responds firmly and forcefully in case of being affected”, said Bosco de la Vega, head of the CNA.
