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Mexico Congress Approves Tariffs of Up to 50% on Chinese and Other Asian Imports

Critics see the decision as leverage for the coming USMCA review.

Products manufactured in China are displayed at a retail store inside a mall that specializes in Chinese imports, in downtown Mexico City, Mexico, September 11, 2025. REUTERS/Quetzalli Nicte-Ha
A drone view shows the Manzanillo seaport in Manzanillo, Mexico, April 22, 2025. REUTERS/Daniel Becerril
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum speaks during her daily morning press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)
Avocados imported from Mexico are displayed at a market in San Francisco, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Overview

  • The Senate approved the measure 76–5 with 35 abstentions after the lower house’s 281–24 vote, clearing the package through both chambers.
  • Tariffs reaching as high as 50% take effect in January on more than 1,400 products, with most rates capped near 35% through 2026.
  • Targets include textiles, shoes, appliances, automobiles, auto parts, plastics and steel from countries without trade deals with Mexico, including China, India, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia.
  • The government says the duties will strengthen domestic production and address trade gaps with China, while analysts also cite USMCA leverage and an estimated $3.76 billion in 2026 revenue.
  • Business groups and China criticized the plan, and researchers warn of supply-chain disruptions and higher inflation as the economy slows.