U.S. seeks trade talks with Mexico over marine life protections

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai addresses the Geneva Graduate Institute on the role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in the global economy and U.S. policy priorities ahead of the 12th Ministerial Conference in Geneva, Switzerland October 14, 2021. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

WASHINGTON, Feb 10 (Reuters) – The United States is seeking consultations with Mexico over its environmental obligations under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, including protection of the endangered vaquita porpoise, U.S. trade officials said Thursday.

The U.S. also seeks to discuss Mexico’s obligations to prevent illegal fishing and trafficking of the totoaba fish, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said in a statement.

“USTR is committed to protecting the environment and is requesting this consultation to ensure Mexico lives up to its USMCA environment commitments,” U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said. “We look forward to working with Mexico to address these issues.”

Reporting by Caitlin Webber; editing by Susan Heavey

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