G/SCM/Q2/MEX/37   
26 April 2021 
(21-3517) Page: 1/2 
Committee on Subsidies and  
Countervailing Measures  Original: Spanish  
 
  
SUBSIDIES  
REPLIES TO THE QUESTIONS FROM NEW ZEALAND1 
REGARDING THE NEW AND FULL NOTIFICATION OF MEXICO2 
The following communication, dated and received on 23 April 2021, is being circulated at the request 
of the delegation of Mexico . 
 
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Modernization of Large Vessels  
Question 1  
Can Mexico provide further detail on how this programme ("Modernization of Large 
Vessels Engaged in the Long -Line Fishing of Shrimp, Squid, Marine Fish with Scales, 
Sardines, Octopus, Shark and Tuna") helps to maintain the sustainability of fish stocks?  
Reply  
Firstly, it should be pointed out  that this incentive is not in effect for  2020. However, when in effect , 
the implementation  of this incentive did not increase the fishing effort as it contributed solely  to 
promot ing the modernization of the entire commercial fishing fleet, given that the  majority of this 
fleet is an average of 35 years old  and therefore requires excessive maintenance and high operati ng 
costs in order  to prevent  it from deteriorating further . 
The subsidy currently being granted is  "Bienpesca" , which provides direct economic support for 
coastal fishers, inland fishe rs, crews of large vessels and operatives at aquaculture production units . 
This s upport is focused on promoting the productive development of vulnerable fishing communities 
that have a direct impact on the welfare of small -scale producers, thereby avoiding encouraging 
overfishing or overcapacity . 
Marine Diesel  and Coastal Gasoline  
Ques tion 2  
Can Mexico provide further detail on how these programmes are consistent with the UN 
SDG target 12.C.1 to rationalise inefficient fossil fuel subsidies?  
Reply 
 
This target establishes the  following  as one of its objectives : "Rationalize inefficient fossil -fuel 
subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption by removing market distortions , in accordance with 
national circumstances, including by restructuring taxation and phasing out those harmful subsidies, 
where they exist, to reflect their  environmental impacts, taking fully into account the specific needs 
 
1 G/SCM/Q2/MEX/33.  
2 G/SCM/N/343/MEX.  G/SCM/Q2/MEX/37  
 
- 2 - 
 
  and conditions of developing countries and minimizing the possible adverse impacts on their 
development in a manner that protects the poor and the affected communities ". 
 
As a developing country , particularly in the fisheries and aquaculture sector , Mexico has granted 
these types of subsidy with a view to improving the social and economic return  of the fisheries 
sector , thus protect ing the country's poorest communities .  
 
These subsid ies were not granted for 2020. The subsidy currently being granted is  "Bienpesca" , 
which provides direct economic support for coastal fishers, inland fishe rs, crews of large vessels and 
operatives at aquaculture production units . This support is focused on prom oting the productive 
development of vulnerable fishing communities that have a direct impact on the welfare of small -
scale producers, thereby avoiding encouraging overfishing or overcapacity . 
 
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