Mexico Hits Chinese Auto Parts With 35% Tariff: Auto Week

This week in automotive news: Mexico proposed a 35% tariff on 90 auto parts and motorcycles and confirmed new taxes on non-FTA imports from 2026, directly affecting Chinese automakers. Light vehicle sales fell 3% in August. Meanwhile, adjustments to the “autos chocolate” program are expected, Stellantis urged the EU for flexible EV regulations, and Meximold 2025 highlighted Mexico’s moldmaking industry.

Start your engines—more news below:

Mexico Proposes 35% Tariff on 90 Auto Parts, Motorcycles

Mexico’s federal government has submitted a bill to Congress proposing a 35% tariff on nearly 90 classifications of imported auto parts and motorcycles, primarily from China. The measure is part of a broader strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing, reduce reliance on foreign inputs, and recalibrate Mexico’s role in global supply chains. If approved, the decree would amend the General Import and Export Tax Law (LIGIE) and take effect 30 calendar days after publication in the Official Gazette, remaining in force through Dec. 31, 2026.

Tech, Manufacturing, and Logistics Drive Industry Innovation

Technology, manufacturing processes, and logistics are deeply interconnected: advances in one area directly influence the others. In recent decades, however, manufacturing innovations have accelerated technological adoption, pushing logistics companies to integrate new tools and systems to meet evolving industry demands.

Mexico to Tax Non-FTA Imports in 2026, Hits Chinese Autos

Mexico plans to implement tariffs on imports from countries without a free trade agreement starting in 2026, according to the Economic Policy Package 2026 presented by the Ministry of Finance. China, whose presence in the Mexican automotive market has grown rapidly, is among the countries affected. By late July, Gustavo Guadarrama Bernal, director general, Mexican Association of Automobile Distributors in the State of Mexico (Amdamex), noted that Chinese brands now account for 9.5% of national vehicle sales.

Mexico to Adjust “Autos Chocolate” Program in 2026 Budget

Mexico’s federal government announced upcoming changes to the program allowing the regularization of vehicles imported irregularly from abroad, commonly known as “autos chocolate.” President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that adjustments will be included in the 2026 budget package following reports of abuses under the current framework.

Stellantis CEO Calls EU for Flexible EV Rules, CO₂ Extensions

Antonio Filosa, who became CEO of Stellantis in June 2025, is urging the European Union to adopt more flexible policies to support the automotive sector during the  transition to electric vehicles (EVs). Ahead of a high-level meeting with EU officials, Filosa emphasized the need for swift, pragmatic action to prevent disruption in the industry.

Mexico’s Light Vehicle Sales Shrink 3% in August 2025

In August 2025, 124,167 light vehicles were sold in Mexico, marking a 3.0% decrease compared to August 2024, when 128,008 units were sold, according to INEGI’s Administrative Registry of the Automotive Industry of Light Vehicles (RAIAVL).

Meximold 2025: Boosting Mexico’s Moldmaking Industry

The sixth edition of Meximold 2025, to be held on Oct. 23 and 24 in Queretaro, aims to boost Mexico’s moldmaking sector amid rising demand for locally produced tooling. Meximold has become a vital platform showcasing Mexico’s mold design and manufacturing expertise to a global audience. Industry leaders at a recent press conference highlight moldmaking’s crucial role in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and consumer electronics.