Source:  Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 2/8/11

The Mexican government said Tuesday it would probe U.S. exporters following dumping complaints alleged by Mexican chicken processors, according to a resolution posted in the government’s official register.

Bachocho SA de CV and other Mexican chicken processors claim U.S. producers have sold chicken legs and thighs on the Mexican market at prices below their cost of production, mainly from April 2009 to March 2010. Tyson Foods, Pilgrim’s Pride and Sanderson Farm are on the list of companies they are accusing.

Toby Moore, spokesman for the U.S. Poultry and Egg Export Council, confirmed to Meatingplace that the council is reviewing Mexico’s resolution and is preparing to release a statement.

A spokeswoman for the United States Trade Representative told Meatingplace, "We are monitoring developments, and will continue to consult with Congress and the U.S. chicken industry."   

Through the first 11 months of 2010, Mexico was the largest foreign market for U.S. chicken exports in terms of volume (397,587 metric tons), surpassing Russia amidst that country’s ban on U.S. product treated with chlorine.

The Mexico-U.S. chicken dispute comes as the two countries continue to wrangle over the issue of access for Mexican trucks to U.S. highways.

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