WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONWT/DS284/2
28 March 2003
(03-1801)
Original:  English
MEXICO – CERTAIN MEASURES PREVENTING THE
IMPORTATION OF BLACK BEANS FROM NICARAGUA
Request to Join Consultations
Communication from the United States
The following communication, dated 27 March 2003, from the Permanent Mission of the
United States to the Permanent Mission of Mexico, the Permanent Mission of Nicaragua and to the
Chairman of the Dispute Settlement Body, is circulated in accordance with Article 4.11 of the DSU.
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This letter concerns the request for consultations by Nicaragua with respect to Mexico –
Certain Measures Preventing the Importation of Black Beans from Nicaragua  (WT/DS284/1).  My
authorities have instructed me to notify the consulting Members and the Dispute Settlement Body of
the desire of the United States to be joined in these consultations pursuant to Article 4.11 of the
Understanding on Rules and Procedures Go verning the Settlement of Disputes .
The United States has a substantial trade interest in these consultations.  In 2002, Mexico's
total imports of black beans were valued at $20 million, of which $19 million (95%) representedimports from the United States.  The measures at issue in Nicaragua’s request for consultations have
also restricted US exports of black beans.
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