With the World Trade Organization Wednesday to hear formal requests from Mexico and Canada to retaliate against the United States over Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) for meat products, a Global Business Dialogue panel at the National Press Club Tuesday was very timely. The panel, which was sponsored by the National Pork Producers Council, featured representatives from both countries discussing why they are considering retaliation and their hopes that Congress will fix the matter before that happens.

Kenneth Smith Ramos with the Embassy of Mexico noted that even USDA had to admit to Congress that the costs of implementing COOL for meat products outweigh the benefits. “COOL has harmed and seriously impacted the cattle and beef industry in North America,” said Ramos. “We are hopeful that the U.S. Senate will take the necessary steps to fully eliminate the discriminatory effect of COOL and avoid an imminent retaliation by its most important trading partners.” Comments by Kenneth Smith Ramos, Embassy of Mexico

John Masswohl with the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association says COOL has cost producers millions. “We’re ready for this issue to be fixed…but we’re not desperate,” said Masswohl. “We want the right fix…we haven’t come through all this just to settle for half a loaf.”

Masswohl talked about some of the products on the list that might be hit with tariffs if retaliation were to take place. “It’s a broad list,” he said. “It has fruits and vegetables and wine, cakes and cookies, but it also has things outside of agriculture like furniture.” Comments by John Masswohl, Canadian Cattlemen's Association

When Canada and Mexico make their case before the WTO tomorrow, they will be seeking more than $3 billion annually in retaliatory tariffs.