Mexico denied sanctions against US over tuna labels

Mexico plans to appeal a World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling that denied its challenge to the United States’ “dolphin-safe” labeling rules.

Mexico contends that U.S. “dolphin-safe” labeling on tuna products unfairly penalizes the country’s fishing industry, while the U.S. has objected to Mexican fleets’ method of catching tuna that involves chasing and capturing dolphins in nets.

“Mexico does not agree with the legal reasoning of the WTO ruling,” said Mexico’s Secretariat of Economy after the decision, per a Reuters report. Mexico was seeking sanctions against the U.S. for the tuna labeling rules since other regions did not face the same stringent rules.

In addition, Mexico said it has cut dolphin deaths to minimal levels.

However, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer praised the WTO ruling. “I am pleased that WTO panels have finally agreed with the overwhelming evidence that U.S. dolphin-safe labeling requirements are accurate and fair,” Lighthizer said in a statement.

“The Trump Administration is committed to defending U.S. rights to enforce environmental measures that protect wildlife and facilitate fair trade,” he added.

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