Beijing Condemns Mexico‘s New Import Tariffs, Alleging thay Target China
MEXICO CITY – Beijing has voiced strong opposition to Mexico’s recently proposed import tariffs, asserting they are specifically aimed at curbing Chinese goods. The tariffs, announced this week, will apply to a range of products including steel, textiles, and possibly automobiles.
The move by Mexico reflects a combination of domestic protectionist measures and geopolitical considerations, according to Diego Marroquin Bitar, a fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The Mexican government seeks to protect industries from perceived unfair competition, while together responding to increasing pressure from the United states.
“What once was one of the most open economies is turning increasingly protectionist,” Marroquin Bitar stated, highlighting Mexico’s concerns regarding Chinese overcapacity.
While Beijing warned it would “firmly protect” its interests, Marroquin Bitar noted that China’s leverage over Mexico is limited. Unlike some Latin American nations, Mexico has not participated in China’s Belt and Road Initiative and carries minimal China-linked debt.
He further explained that the tariff increases fall within the bounds of World Trade organization (WTO) regulations. “it’s perfectly fine for Mexico to increase their tariff levels within World Trade organization bounds,” he said. “China has other mechanisms outside the WTO to exert pressure, but Mexico’s close ties wiht Washington and Ottawa work in its favour.”
The tariff proposal also strategically positions Mexico ahead of the 2026 review of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), where rules governing automobiles and electric vehicles are expected to be a key point of negotiation. Experts anticipate the “China factor” will dominate the USMCA review, with the US likely pushing for stricter content rules and safeguards against transshipment.
Marroquin Bitar believes Mexico’s actions represent a move towards a North American trade model prioritizing internal flows while making it “increasingly difficult for other countries to enter.”
