Sheinbaum launches tariff impact talks with China, India and South Korea

Following Congress's approval of tariffs on over 1,000 Asian imports, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced ongoing dialogues with China, India, and South Korea to evaluate effects and seek cooperative solutions, aiming to safeguard Mexico's industry without sparking tensions. The measures, set for January 2026, target products harming local producers and jobs.

During her December 19 press conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum detailed work tables established with China, India, and South Korea—nations lacking trade agreements with Mexico—coordinated by the Secretariats of Foreign Affairs and Economy. The objective is to analyze the tariffs' impacts, approved earlier in December by Congress on over 1,000 products deemed detrimental to national industry and 350,000 jobs, and identify collaborative frameworks.

Sheinbaum refrained from labeling potential outcomes as treaties, stating: 'We don’t want to make enemies with any country.' The initiative aligns with Plan México, her strategy to elevate Mexico into the global top 10 economies. She highlighted early successes, such as declining imports and rising domestic production in textiles.

Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard projected the tariffs could generate over 70 billion pesos in revenue, with minimal 0.2 percent inflation effect. Emphasis was placed on supporting SMEs dependent on these imports to avoid disruptions in production or pricing. Sheinbaum underscored that engagements follow objective criteria, building on existing bilateral discussions.

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Composite illustration of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in a cordial phone discussion on T-MEC progress, security, and trade.
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Sheinbaum and Trump hold productive follow-up call on T-MEC progress, security, and trade

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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed advances in the T-MEC review, bilateral security, narcotrafficking, and trade during a phone call on January 29, 2026. Described as productive and cordial, the conversation—a follow-up to their January 12 talk—saw Trump praise Sheinbaum as a 'wonderful and intelligent leader' amid plans for future meetings.

Mexico's Senate has approved legislation imposing tariffs of up to 50 per cent on more than 1,400 products from Asian countries, primarily targeting Chinese imports to bolster domestic producers. President Claudia Sheinbaum defended the move, stating it supports the 'Plan Mexico' without harming the national economy. Beijing has criticised the duties as damaging to its interests.

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Following Mexico's Senate approval of tariffs on Asian imports, Brazil has voiced concerns about potential disruptions to bilateral trade outside the protected automotive sector, urging dialogue to safeguard exports and investments.

Mexico's Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard urged closing the window of uncertainty over the T-MEC as soon as possible and at the lowest cost, ahead of its 2026 review. At a national meeting, he highlighted the country's favorable trade position and the treaty's survival. He recalled early-year tensions from Donald Trump's tariff threats.

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President Claudia Sheinbaum defended progress in bilateral security cooperation with the United States, highlighting strong results and demanding mutual respect and shared responsibility. This comes in response to criticisms from the US State Department calling for concrete results against drug trafficking. Additionally, the Mexican foreign minister and his counterpart agreed to meetings to strengthen joint actions.

South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan held a second day of tariff talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington on January 30, 2026, but again failed to reach an agreement. Following Friday's initial meeting—which also ended without a deal—the discussions deepened mutual understanding, though Kim said more talks are needed.

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The top diplomats of South Korea and the United States will hold talks in Washington this week amid uncertainties over their trade deal following U.S. President Donald Trump's warning of a tariff hike. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun will meet one-on-one with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss implementing summit agreements, including the trade deal. Cho is also attending a U.S.-led ministerial meeting on critical minerals supply chains.

 

 

 

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