Mexico puts into force package of import tariffs on some Asian nations

(MENAFN) Mexico has officially put into force a new package of import duties targeting countries that do not maintain free trade agreements with the nation. The decision, finalized earlier this week, introduces tariffs reaching as high as 35 percent on products originating from several Asian economies, including China, India, South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia. The new rates are scheduled to apply starting January 1.

According to official statements, the policy updates tariff levels across 1,463 separate product categories. These categories span numerous sectors, such as automobiles and auto parts, textiles and clothing, plastics, steel, aluminum, household appliances, toys, furniture, footwear, leather products, paper and cardboard, motorcycles, and glass manufacturing.

Authorities explained that the initiative is designed to protect roughly 350,000 jobs nationwide, particularly in industries considered vulnerable, including footwear, textiles, apparel, steel production, and automotive manufacturing. The move is also framed as part of a broader effort to advance what officials described as the country’s “sovereign, sustainable and inclusive reindustrialization in strategic sectors of the Mexican economy.”

Lawmakers approved the tariff framework earlier in the month, stressing during deliberations that the measures are not aimed at singling out any individual nation. Instead, they emphasized that the goal is to reinforce industries viewed as essential to the national economy and long-term industrial capacity.

Government representatives further indicated that the policy seeks to boost domestic participation in supply chains by 15 percent. This would be achieved by expanding local manufacturing and reducing reliance on foreign components through the substitution of imported inputs with domestically produced alternatives.

Officials project that the strategy could generate up to 1.5 million new jobs and lift domestic investment levels to as much as 28 percent of gross domestic product.

The decision has drawn criticism from Beijing. In mid-December, as stated by reports, a spokesperson condemned the tariff increases and urged discussions between the two sides.

"China has always opposed unilateral tariff increases in all their forms and urges Mexico to correct its misguided practices of unilateralism and protectionism as soon as possible," they said.

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