Q: According to local Mexican media reports, on December 10 local time, the Mexican Senate and Chamber of Deputies approved a proposal to raise tariffs on countries that do not have a free trade agreement (FTA) with Mexico, with the new rates scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. We also noted that, compared with the version submitted by the Mexican government to the congress in September, the adopted proposal includes adjustments to certain tariff lines and rates. What is MOFCOM’s comment on this?

A: We have noted the relevant reports and will closely monitor the implementation of Mexico’s measures while further assessing their potential impacts. The version approved this time is based on the September proposal and includes certain adjustments, such as moderate reductions in the proposed tariff increases for some automotive parts, light industrial products, and textile and apparel items. Nevertheless, once implemented, these measures would still cause material injury to the interests of relevant trading partners, including China.

China has consistently opposed unilateral tariff hikes in any form. It is hoped that Mexico will promptly rectify this erroneous approach rooted in unilateralism and protectionism. To safeguard the interests of related Chinese industries, MOFCOM lawfully initiated an investigation into trade and investment barriers imposed by Mexico at the end of September. This investigation is currently underway.

We have also noted recent remarks by senior Mexican officials in media interviews suggesting that this tariff increase is intended to serve the upcoming review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). China welcomes the resolution of economic and trade differences between related countries through economic trade agreements, but any such arrangement must not come at the expense of global trade development or infringe upon China’s legitimate interests. It is hoped that Mexico attaches high importance to this issue and acts prudently.

China places great importance on its economic and trade relations with Mexico and actively promotes the healthy and stable development of bilateral trade and investment cooperation. Against the backdrop of a complex and volatile international environment overshadowed by trade protectionism, we expect Mexico to pull with China in the same direction by enhancing communication and dialogue on economic and trade issues, properly managing differences, deepening practical cooperation and to jointly uphold the overall stability of bilateral economic and trade relations.