Planned tariff increase on Chinese imports

Mexico is preparing to sharply increase duties on a range of imports from China and from other countries that do not have trade agreements with Mexico. Officials say the adjustment will lift the existing levy on imported Chinese cars from roughly 20% to 50%.

Statement from Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard

Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard announced the change and explained the government’s approach. He said the administration will raise the tariff to the maximum level permitted under trade rules and stressed the measure is intended to address pricing and competitive concerns.

Sectors and products affected

The government specified that the increase will cover multiple sectors. Targeted products include

• cars and passenger vehicles
• automotive parts
• steel products
• textiles
• other goods imported from countries without trade agreements

Reasoning linked to reference prices and jobs

Officials argue that many imports are entering Mexico at prices below established reference levels. Ebrard framed the policy as a response to those pricing practices and said the primary goal is to safeguard Mexican employment in affected industries.

Legal basis under World Trade Organization rules

The administration points to World Trade Organization provisions that allow Mexico to raise certain tariffs up to 50%. The government says it will use that allowance to set the new duty level on the specified imports.

Mexico as a major destination for Chinese cars

Recent trade patterns have made Mexico the largest market for Chinese-made cars. That shift in vehicle flows has attracted attention from trading partners and market observers.

U.S. trade context and strategic effects

The move comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and China over trade. Mexico’s policy change has drawn notice in Washington as President Donald Trump has escalated his trade fight with China, and Mexican officials say the tariffs will help defend domestic industry while addressing U.S. concerns.