Overview

• The Paquete Económico 2026 sends to Congress tariff hikes of 10% to 50% on 1,463 tariff lines in industries such as autos, autoparts, textiles, steel and appliances, targeting countries without free‑trade agreements including China, South Korea, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand and Turkey.
• President Claudia Sheinbaum says the plan is not directed at any single country and seeks dialogue, with meetings planned with Chinese representatives next week.
• China’s Foreign Ministry labeled the proposal coercive and the Chinese embassy urged Mexico to “think twice,” saying it will safeguard its rights and interests and closely monitor any final measures.
• The initiative is now under legislative review as part of the 2026 budget package and, if approved before mid‑November, would take effect next year.
• Mexico’s economy officials argue the tariffs support a national industrial strategy and protect roughly 320,000 jobs, while business groups and industry voices warn of higher consumer prices, supply‑chain strains and investment risks.