Breaking News: Mexico Plans to Impose 50% Tariffs on China and Other Countries

Latest reports indicate that the Mexican government is considering a significant adjustment to its trade policy—substantially increasing import tariffs on certain countries. On September 10, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum unveiled a tariff reform proposal, which includes a highly notable measure: Mexico plans to raise import tariffs on approximately 1,400 tariff line items, including automobiles, toys, steel, textiles, and plastic products, from countries that have not signed free trade agreements with Mexico, such as China, to rates ranging from 10% to 50%. The new tariffs will apply to imported goods under 1,371 tariff codes, accounting for 16.8% of all Mexican tariff codes, and are expected to be implemented by December 31, 2026. Sheinbaum claimed that this move aims to "protect Mexican jobs" and "prevent unfair competition" to safeguard its automotive industry. However, it is clear to everyone that this is merely an excuse, and the real reason is succumbing to pressure from the United States.

On the late evening of September 11, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce website published a statement titled "Spokesperson Lin Jian of the Ministry of Commerce Responds to Media Questions on Mexico's Plan to Raise Import Tariff Rates on Certain Trading Partners."
Spokesperson Lin Jian stated at a press conference that China opposes all forms of unilateralism, protectionism, and discriminatory and exclusionary measures. China firmly opposes any restrictions imposed on it under various pretexts under coercion from others, which undermine China’s legitimate rights and interests. China will resolutely safeguard its rights and interests based on the actual situation.
At a time when the U.S.’s arbitrary imposition of tariffs has provoked widespread global opposition, countries should strengthen communication and coordination, jointly uphold free trade and multilateralism, and must not sacrifice the interests of third parties due to coercion from others. Against this backdrop, any unilateral tariff increase by Mexico, even if within the framework of WTO rules, will be seen as an appeasement and compromise to unilateral bullying.
Lin Jian emphasized that China and Mexico are both important members of the Global South, and mutual benefit and win-win cooperation are the defining features of China-Mexico economic and trade relations. China attaches great importance to the development of China-Mexico relations and hopes that Mexico will work with China in the same direction to jointly promote global economic recovery and the development of world trade.

Currently, Mexico has trade agreements with more than 50 countries and regions, including the United States, Canada (under the USMCA agreement), the European Union, Japan, and other Latin American countries. Goods from these "trading partners" will continue to enjoy preferential treatment under the agreements.
The countries primarily affected are those that have not signed trade agreements with Mexico, including China, South Korea, and Russia. As China is Mexico’s largest source of imports, the impact will undoubtedly be the most significant.
Although Mexico’s tariff policy has not yet been implemented, it is essential to take preventive measures. Here are some suggestions for domestic Chinese foreign trade enterprises operating in the Mexican market:

• Adjust industrial chain: Consider establishing production bases in countries that enjoy trade preferences.

• Upgrade products: Enhance product added value to reduce reliance on price competition.

• Diversify markets: Avoid over-dependence on a single market and spread trade risks.

• Monitor policy developments: Closely track changes in China-Mexico trade policies.