USTR Expresses Surprise at Panel Loss in Labor Case

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai issued a statement of disappointment more than a week after Mexico announced that a panel decision had agreed with its argument that labor violations at a zinc mine in San Martín were not subject to the USMCA rapid response labor mechanism, because they occurred before USMCA replaced NAFTA (see 2404260055).

It was the first rapid response labor mechanism case that went to a panel, because Mexico and the U.S. didn't agree on remediation.

Tai said she found the decision surprising and disappointing. "Nevertheless, we remain confident in the RRM’s promise to defend workers’ rights."