China Probes Mexican Tariffs on Asian Imports as Trade Barrier

China has opened an investigation into whether import tariffs imposed by Mexico constitute a trade and investment barrier, after Mexico announced duties of up to 50% on more than 1,400 products from Asia to shield local factories from stiff U.S. tariffs, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum denied that the tariffs had raised tensions with China.

A statement from China’s Commerce Ministry said the tariffs would harm the interests of affected countries.

“China believes that, against the backdrop of the current U.S. abuse of tariffs, all countries should jointly oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism and must not sacrifice the interests of third parties because of coercion,” the ministry said.

It also launched an anti-dumping investigation into pecans imported from Mexico and the U.S.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum denied that the tariffs had raised tensions with China, saying Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard had proposed forming a “high-level working group” to facilitate dialogue with Beijing.

Sheinbaum said the measures were aimed at boosting domestic production and consumption, not a result of U.S. pressure.

Mexico imported $130 billion worth of Chinese goods in 2024, second only to imports from the U.S. Other countries affected include South Korea, Thailand, India, the Philippines, and Indonesia.