Breaking News: On September 9, the Mexican government submitted a new budget proposal that includes a sweeping tariff plan targeting imports from countries without free trade agreements with Mexico—most notably China and other Asian exporters.
According to the proposal delivered to the Mexican Congress by President Claudia Sheinbaum, the government seeks approval to impose import duties ranging from 10% to 50% on over 1,371 product categories, representing nearly 16.8% of Mexico’s entire tariff schedule. The plan is expected to generate an additional 70 billion pesos (approx. USD 3.76 billion) in revenue and aims to boost local manufacturing competitiveness.
Key Industries Impacted
The proposed tariffs would apply until December 31, 2026 (with potential extensions) and cover a wide range of goods, including:
Automobiles and auto parts
Steel and aluminum products
Footwear
Textiles and apparel
Furniture
Toys
Paper and packaging products
Glass and sanitary equipment
Personal care items
Pumps, fans, and other industrial equipment
Products facing the highest tariffs (up to 50%) include light vehicles, auto components, footwear, and steel products.
Political Context and U.S. Pressure
Although Mexico has consistently stated it would not “choose sides” between China and the United States, analysts believe U.S. political pressure—especially from former President Donald Trump—was a major driver of this move.
Since early 2025, Mexico has introduced a series of measures against Chinese imports, including:
Temporary tariffs on Chinese textiles (January)
Broader duties on Chinese goods, including vehicles (March)
Extended and expanded restrictions (April)
Commitments to limit Chinese high-tech imports (May)
Anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (July)
Higher import taxes on low-value e-commerce packages (August)
Final anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese footwear (September)
The latest proposal consolidates these measures into Mexico’s broader 2026 national budget strategy.
China’s Response
On September 11, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded to the news at a press briefing:
“China has always advocated for inclusive economic globalization and firmly opposes unilateralism, protectionism, and discriminatory measures under coercion. We will resolutely safeguard our legitimate rights and interests according to the actual situation.”
Lin also emphasized that China and Mexico, both important members of the Global South, share mutually beneficial trade ties. He expressed hope that Mexico would work with China to promote global trade and economic recovery.
