Mexico imposes 50% tariff on selected imported products from Asia says report

By Anjali Sharma

WASHINGTON – Mexico’s lower house on Thursday approved a sweeping tariff package of up to 50% from the year 2026 on import of select products from Asian countries, including from India and China, to protect the national industry and producers, as per the local media reports.

It marks Mexico government’s most aggressive moves in recent years to bolster domestic industry and narrow its trade deficit.

The measure has been passed in the lower house with 281 votes in favor, 24 against and 149 abstentions but still requires Senate approval, media reported.

The move has triggered concern among Mexican industry groups over potential supply chain disruptions and cost pressures.

Mexico could impose tariffs of up to 50% on selected imports, while most other increases largely capped at 35% would be phased in through 2026.

The tariff schedule covers a broad set of sectors, including auto parts, textiles, apparel, plastics and steel as per the reports.

The government has pitched the policy as a domestic manufacturing initiative.

The countries that will be affected are India, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

Mexican government estimated that the proposed tariffs would generate additional revenue of USD 3.8 billion per year.

China has been vocal against such tariff by Mexico as according to the China’s state media, spokesperson of the Chinese Commerce Ministry had said that it has always opposed unilateral tariff hikes in all forms.

China also urged Mexico to correct its wrong practices of unilateralism and protectionism at an early date.

US shared concerns over goods originating in Asia could gain access to the US via Mexico and Canada.