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Mexico Sets 5%–50% Tariffs on 1,463 Goods Starting Jan. 1, 2026

The policy seeks to shield local industry to reinforce Mexico’s leverage with Washington ahead of the 2026 T‑MEC review.

Overview

  • Mexico’s schedule covers 17 industries and about $52 billion in imports from countries without free‑trade deals, prominently affecting products from China, South Korea, India and Vietnam.
  • Chinese and South Korean authorities have urged Mexico to reverse the barriers, and reports describe Chinese exporters routing goods through Vietnam to lower duties.
  • SME leaders warn of higher input costs and forecast consumer price increases of roughly 45% to 55% as firms pass through added charges.
  • Trade lawyers caution that the measures could clash with Mexico’s bilateral investment protection agreements, raising the risk of investor‑state claims.
  • Despite tariff tensions, the Wall Street Journal reports Mexican exports to the United States rose in 2025 with bilateral goods trade nearing $900 billion.