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.
On Thursday, December 12, 2025, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum defended her government's decision to impose new import tariffs at the National Palace, hours after the Senate approved legislation allowing duties of up to 50 per cent on more than 1,400 products from Asian countries. The measure is widely seen as targeting Chinese imports and comes as Mexico gears up for a review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) next year.
'We want Plan Mexico to be fulfilled without causing a problem for the national economy, and within that framework Congress approved these tariffs,' Sheinbaum told reporters. She added: 'They are aimed at countries with which Mexico does not have a trade agreement. It is not about restricting trade between nations.'
Beijing has criticised the duties as harmful to its interests, viewing the move as part of a broader US pressure campaign. Jayant Menon, a senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, said: 'The US has concerns about China using Mexico as a back door to the US market. This clearly shows [Mexico] wants to show the US they're willing to clamp down.'
Analysts warn the tariffs could backfire. Alfredo Montufar-Helu from Ankura Consulting noted that Beijing might retaliate, seeing it as driven by US efforts to rally countries against China. Mexico's Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard stressed the measures protect domestic industries while preserving trade ties with the US and Canada.
