The duties would be part of ‘Plan Mexico’, a bid to boost local industries under threat from Trump’s trade war
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Thursday that her government is considering imposing tariffs on imports from countries that do not have trade agreements with Mexico, including China.
The tariffs would be part of “Plan Mexico”, an initiative to boost domestic industry amid tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on some imports from Mexico.
“We are considering tariffs as part of Plan Mexico, which we’ve proposed since we came into office,” said Sheinbaum. China is among countries that don’t have a deal with Mexico, “but it’s not the only country”, she added.
Sheinbaum said that the sectors affected by fresh tariffs will be released in due time. She did not specify the rates under consideration or a timing for additional details.
The additional levies – which would span a wide range of products including cars, textiles and plastics – are aimed at protecting the nation’s businesses from cheap imports.
The tariffs would also satisfy a long-standing demand from Trump amid a worsening trade war between the US and China.
The draft revenue proposal from Sheinbaum’s administration is scheduled to be sent to Congress by September 8.
While the budget plan will require approval from the legislative branch, Sheinbaum’s party and its allies hold two-thirds majorities in both houses, which is likely to limit changes by lawmakers.
Mexico is part of the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA), which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement in 2020 and was negotiated during Trump’s first term.
The agreement requires the three countries to hold a joint review after six years.
