Mexico Approves Up to 50% Tariffs on China and Other Countries

Mexican lawmakers have approved a package of new tariffs affecting hundreds of products, many of which come from China, Osmond Chia reported for BBC News.

Dozens of countries that do not have a free trade agreement with Mexico will be affected, including Thailand, India, and Indonesia.

The measures, which President Claudia Sheinbaum said are needed to boost domestic production, were passed by the Mexican Senate. The levies are set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, and will apply to goods such as metals, cars, clothing, and appliances.

Dozens of countries that do not have a free trade agreement with Mexico will be affected, including Thailand, India, and Indonesia.

The move comes as Mexico is in negotiations with the U.S. over steep import taxes that President Donald Trump has threatened to impose on the country.

The measures will impose tariffs of up to 50% on more than 1,400 products. The levies will “substantially harm the interests of trading partners, including China,” a spokesperson for Beijing’s commerce ministry said Thursday.

An investigation into Mexico’s trade policy is in progress, the spokesperson added, urging the country to “correct” its decision.