Mexico requests WTO consultation on US tuna rules

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The Mexican government says it has formally requested World Trade Organization consultations on U.S. labeling restrictions that it says effectively exclude Mexican tuna from the U.S. market.

Mexico claims its tuna complies with international standards on reducing the accidental capture of dolphins. But U.S. rules prohibit Mexico from using the "dolphin-safe" label needed to sell the product in the United States.

Mexico's Economy Department said Friday in a statement that the restrictions have shut down a third of the Mexican tuna fleet.

U.S. officials were not available to comment.

If WTO talks between the two countries fail to resolve the dispute, Mexico can ask the world trade watchdog to set up a panel to rule on it.