The rule "makes it impossible to reach agreements when there is broad and clear support, which is nullified by the opposition of a minority of states," it said in the statement.

The negotiations at the United Nations ended Friday without agreement on the proposed treaty to regulate the estimated $US70 billion ($67 billion) of international trade in conventional weapons each year.

Some diplomats said Washington had refused to vote on the proposed treaty, demanding more time before the midnight deadline amid worries about a push back from the US Congress.

Mexico has long insisted that weapons sold in the United States are fuelling a drug war within its borders that has left more than 50,000 dead over the past five and a half years.

"The Mexican government regrets that this international conference - which had generated great expectations in many countries and civil society - has not been able to end with the adoption of the agreement, despite the efforts made," the foreign ministry said.

Nevertheless, it said "the conference was able to advance considerably on a draft text that should be improved."

Mexico has argued for "an effective and robust treaty that prohibits the transfer of conventional arms when they risk being used to commit serious violations of international law and that establishes mechanisms to prevent their being diverted to the illicit market."