Mexico Eyes Tariffs on China Amid Trade Tensions

Mexico considers imposing tariffs on Chinese imports as part of domestic industry protection plan

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced Thursday that her administration is considering imposing tariffs on imports from countries without existing trade agreements with Mexico, specifically targeting China. The move represents a significant shift in Mexico’s trade policy amid escalating global economic tensions.

Plan Mexico Initiative Aims to Boost Domestic Production

The proposed tariffs would form part of “Plan Mexico,” a comprehensive initiative designed to strengthen domestic industry. This strategy emerges as a response to tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on certain Mexican imports, forcing Mexico to reassess its trade relationships and economic positioning.

Strategic Response to U.S. Trade Pressures

Speaking at her daily news conference, Sheinbaum emphasized that the tariffs would primarily affect nations lacking formal trade agreements with Latin America’s second-largest economy. While specific product categories and sectors remain undisclosed, the announcement signals Mexico’s intent to protect its domestic markets.

Mexico operates under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced NAFTA in 2020. The agreement mandates a joint review after six years, adding urgency to Mexico’s strategic trade considerations as regional economic dynamics continue evolving.