"Big Sugar" Holds Out As U.S. and Mexico Near Trade Deal

Despite the deal that the Mexican and U.S. governments have reached recently regarding the sugar industry, the American Sugar Alliance has raised concerns and refuses to support it. While some believe that the agreement looks like a “climbdown” by Mexico, others argue that it was a success for Mexico given that the country’s aim was to avoid tariffs and maintain their position as the principal U.S. supplier. With NAFTA discussions starting soon, Mexico also had little room to maneuver.

“The issue is whether we were willing to go into permanent dispute...You have to be pragmatic, because of NAFTA,” said Carlos Véjar, a trade attorney at Holland & Knight and former general counsel for international trade
at the Mexican economy ministry.

READ: "Big Sugar" Holds Out As U.S. and Mexico Near Trade Deal (subscription required)