MEXICAN TARIFFS ON U.S. POTATOES TAKES EFFECT TODAY

Published online: Mar 20, 2009
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The Oregonian newspaper quotes Oregon Potato Commission executive director Bill Brewer as saying the U.S. could lose its entire $80 million in annual french-fry exports to Mexico because competitors in Canada won't have to pay $16 million in tariffs.

Under the North American Free Trade Agreement, Mexican trucks can transport goods into the U.S., but the U.S. Congress voted to bar the Mexican trucks.

Mexican officials called the action protectionist and announced the tariffs.

The White House says it will work with Congress to create a new trucking program for Mexico.