Mexico's Economy Ministry has opened anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations into U.S. pork leg and shoulder imports after five Mexican firms filed petitions alleging unfair pricing and government support. The probe will examine 2024 shipments and their effects on Mexico’s pork industry over 2022–2024. It covers U.S.-origin pork even if routed through third countries and could result in duties despite current tariff exemptions.
Mexico Opens Anti-Dumping and Anti-Subsidy Probes Into U.S. Pork Leg and Shoulder Imports
Young pigs feed in a pen during a hog farm tour in Ryan, Iowa, U.S., May 18, 2019. REUTERS/Ben Brewer
Mexico's Economy Ministry has launched simultaneous anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations into imports of pork leg and shoulder from the United States after five domestic producers alleged those shipments were sold at unfairly low prices or benefited from government support.
Details of the Investigation
The probe will review imports delivered in 2024 and assess their impact on Mexico's pork sector across the 2022–2024 period, according to a notice published in the government's official bulletin. The inquiry covers pork of U.S. origin even when routed through third countries, and it could lead to the imposition of duties despite existing tariff exemptions.
Claims by Mexican Producers
The petitions, submitted by five Mexican pork companies, contend that shipments from the United States have risen steadily in recent years and were either sold below fair market value (a practice known as dumping) or supported by export subsidies or other forms of government assistance.
Potential Outcomes and Significance
If investigators find evidence of dumping or subsidization that injures the domestic industry, Mexico could impose anti-dumping or countervailing duties on the affected U.S. pork products. Such measures would have implications for bilateral trade in pork, domestic prices, and supply chains for processors and retailers in Mexico.
Note: The investigation focuses on legal and economic criteria established under Mexico's trade remedy laws and will determine whether provisional or final duties are warranted.
(Reporting by Raul Cortes Fernandez; Writing by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
