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Mexico proposes new import taxes on 1,400
products to boost national production
[September 10, 2025]
MEXICO CITY (AP) —
Mexico’s government submitted a budget proposal Tuesday that would
impose new import taxes on more than 1,400 products — many from Asian
nations — to strengthen national production at a time when the United
States is pressuring its North American trade partner to present a
united front against China.
Treasury Secretary Édgar Amador did not mention China specifically, but
said that the proposed 2026 budget will affect “countries with which we
do not have a commercial treaty.” |
A Mexican flag hangs at the National Palace, where a portrait of former
Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador hangs, as President Claudia
Sheinbaum delivers her first state-of-the-nation address in Mexico City,
Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo) |
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The
tariffs will be within the guidelines of the World Trade
Organization and the Mexican government would be sensitive to
any impacts on production or prices, he said.
Amador did recognize that the measures are happening “within the
discussion and future commercial conversations with our North
American partners,” but insisted the goal was strengthening
domestic production and consumption, as well as reducing trade
deficits.
Mexico has been engaged in increasingly difficult trade
negotiations with the Trump administration since the start of
the year. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to increase
25% tariffs that he applied earlier this year on some products
not covered by the free-trade agreement with Mexico and Canada.
Mexico had started applying tariffs of its own on some imports
like textiles in December and increased operations to seize
pirated products from Asia.
Since Mexico’s governing party holds majorities in both chambers
of Congress, the budget is expected to be approved.
The measures aimed at Asian imports had been rumored and Guo
Jiakun, spokesman for the Chinese government, criticized the
proposal in August.
“Mexico is China’s second-largest trading partner in Latin
America, and China is Mexico’s third-largest export
destination,” he said. “China firmly opposes restrictions
imposed on China under various pretexts and under coercion from
others, which harm China’s legitimate rights and interests.”
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