The increase in so-called “strategic tariffs” in Mexico would mainly impact China if ratified by Congress.
On September 4, 2025, the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum proposed applying differentiated tariffs of 10%, 20%, 30%, 35%, and up to 50%, the maximum allowed by the WTO.
The measure would affect 1,463 tariff items. It would mainly affect products from countries without free trade agreements with Mexico, including China, the country’s second-largest trading partner after the United States.
Strategic tariffs
On September 8, the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit announced new foreign trade tax measures to “create a fairer competitive environment.” Among them is the application of strategic tariffs to countries without existing trade agreements.
The proposal was presented together with the 2026 Economic Package, which must be approved by Congress in 2025, although the Foreign Trade Law allows the executive branch to modify tariffs unilaterally.
The levies focus on key sectors such as automotive, textiles, steel, plastics, household appliances, toys, furniture, footwear, motorcycles, and glass, among others.
Countervailing duties
China is closely monitoring Mexico’s anti-dumping investigations into Chinese products. In early October, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce urged the Mexican government to respect World Trade Organization rules during the process.
As of August 20, 2025, Mexico had 88 countervailing duties in place for dumping practices. These measures cover 57 products from 18 countries, with China accounting for 45% of the cases. The basic metals and manufactures sector accounts for 65% of the total.
The spokesperson noted that the Ministry of Economy has recently initiated four anti-dumping investigations at the request of domestic companies. Among the products affected are float glass and PVC-coated fabrics.
“China strongly opposes protectionist actions that harm the legitimate interests of its companies,” the official said. According to the ministry, Mexico has initiated 11 anti-dumping investigations against Chinese products in 2025, almost double the number from the previous year.