October 30,2003

Grassley on Latest Delay in Decision in Mexican Beef Trade Case

M E M O R A N D U M

To: Reporters and Editors
Re: Mexico’s antidumping order on beef
Da: Thursday, Oct. 30. 2003

Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Committee on Finance, today made the followingcomments regarding an announcement by the NAFTA panel reviewing Mexico’s antidumping orderon beef from the United States that its final decision has been postponed, yet again, this time untilDec. 31.

“I’m very concerned by this delay. From what I understand, the final decision was due lastApril, was then postponed until June, then August, then October, and now December. I’m confidentthat the panel will determine that Mexico’s antidumping order does not comply with Mexico’sNAFTA obligations. But as long as this order remains in place, U.S. beef exported to Mexico willremain subject to duties, and this is hurting cattle producers in Iowa and other states. This situationdoes little to build confidence in the NAFTA dispute settlement process.”