Mexico to raise tariffs on Chinese imports of cars, textiles, and plastics, reports Bloomberg

Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Sources told Bloomberg that Mexico’s 2026 budget, expected to be submitted to Congress before September 8, 2025, will include higher tariffs on imports from China in three key sectors: automobiles, textiles, and plastics. 

The initiative serves a dual purpose. Domestically, it seeks to protect Mexican producers who have long complained about being undercut by low-cost Chinese imports. Internationally, it responds to pressure from Washington, particularly under the “Fortress North America” strategy, which seeks to consolidate regional supply chains under the USMCA trade pact and prevent China from channeling goods into the U.S. market through Mexico. 

Although exact tariff rates have not yet been disclosed, analysts expect significant increases in the automotive sector, covering both finished vehicles and key auto parts. The decision reflects the strategic importance of auto manufacturing in North America’s integrated production system.

For textiles and plastics, the measure targets a long-standing grievance from local industries that have struggled to compete with low-cost Chinese goods. Raising tariffs, policymakers argue, will give domestic producers a level playing field while encouraging regional supply chain development.

The move also comes against the backdrop of Donald Trump’s renewed campaign rhetoric, which has amplified criticism of Chinese imports and pressured Mexico to curb its role as a “back door” for Chinese goods entering the U.S. market.

Furthermore, officials hinted that Mexico may consider extending the tariff hikes to other Asian exporters with similar trade patterns, signaling a broader recalibration of its import policy.

For President Claudia Sheinbaum, the policy underscores her administration’s strategy to reinforce Mexico as a nearshoring hub, reduce reliance on Asian imports, and attract industrial investment aligned with North American supply chains.

* Original text in Spanish. Translated by Large Language Model (LLM) technology.

Main Source:

México prevé elevar aranceles a las importaciones chinas de autos, textiles y plásticos – Bloomberg

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