China Has Not Formally Requested Tariff Reductions From Mexico

Mexico has not received any formal request from China to lower the tariffs it intends to impose on imports from the Asian country, according to Luis Rosendo Gutiérrez, Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Economy.

Gutiérrez explained that Mexican authorities have set up a working group to address China’s concerns about the proposed reform, which seeks to raise tariffs on nations without trade agreements with Mexico. When asked whether Beijing had made a formal approach, he clarified: “So far, there is nothing official, but we remain attentive to any proposal from the Chinese government.”

On Sept. 9, President Claudia Sheinbaum presented a bill to Congress to amend several tariff sections under the Law of General Import and Export Taxes (LIGIE). The proposal would increase tariffs by up to 50% on certain Chinese goods, including steel, textiles, and automotive products.

Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard stated that the proposed tariff levels are within the World Trade Organization (WTO) limits, noting that many Asian imports are priced below reference values. He added that the measure is not directed specifically at China but applies to all countries without trade agreements with Mexico. “China is a key partner for our economy,” he said. “We are open to dialogue with them, as we are with Vietnam, Thailand, India, and, of course, with the United States and Canada.”

The reform includes 1,463 tariff classifications, with rates ranging from 10% to 50%, aimed at protecting strategic industries such as automotive, textiles, plastics, steel, aluminum, furniture, toys, paper, and glass as part of the government’s Plan México.

Gutiérrez highlighted that the initiative is now in the hands of Congress, which is expected to debate it before November, as it was not part of the 2026 Economic Package. The reform will also need approval from the Senate.

If approved, the reform would take effect 30 days after its publication in the Official Gazette and remain in force until Dec. 31, 2026. President Sheinbaum would have the authority to adjust specific tariff categories when necessary.