China expressed this Thursday its “hope” that Mexico “corrects its erroneous practices of unilateralism and protectionism as soon as possible” after the Mexican Senate approved tariffs of up to 50% for more than 1,400 products from the Asian giant and other nations in the region.
“The measures will considerably harm the interests of trading partners like China,” denounced a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce of the Asian country, who called on Mexico to collaborate with Beijing to “jointly protect the general situation of bilateral economic and commercial relations.”
The spokesperson recalled that the Ministry opened an investigation in September into barriers to trade and investment against Mexico, and that these investigations “continue their course,” without specifying whether the approval of the tariffs will influence their outcome.
China Trade will “closely monitor the application and impact” of the Mexican tariffs, although it recognizes that the approved package presents “reduced to a certain extent” rates on some components for automotive, light industrial products or textiles compared to the proposal last September.
“China has always opposed any form of unilateral increase in tariffs,” the spokesperson stressed, according to the statement published on the official website of the Ministry of Commerce.
It should be noted that this initiative is approved at a time when Mexico is preparing for the review of the Trade Agreement with the United States and Canada (USMCA), scheduled for next year amid constant threats from US President Donald Trump.
“China welcomes that countries resolve their differences through trade agreements, but no agreement should have the condition that it harms the development of world trade, nor should it harm China’s legitimate interests. We hope that Mexico attaches great importance to that, and that it acts prudently,” the spokesperson warned.
Beijing, the statement concludes, gives great importance to its commercial ties with Mexico, which is why it hopes to “strengthen communication and dialogue” with the Government led by Claudia Sheinbaum in that area, with the aim of “adequately addressing differences” in the face of a situation marked by “a complex and volatile international panorama and the looming shadow of protectionism.”
The law approved this Wednesday by the Mexican Senate contemplates tariffs of between 5 and 50 percent on some 1,463 products from China and other Asian countries with which there is no trade agreement in sectors such as textiles, aluminum or plastics as of January 1, 2026.
In a statement, the Senate indicated that the law “seeks to implement concrete actions that allow a balanced interaction of the market,” to avoid economic distortions that could affect the relocation of productive sectors considered strategic for Mexico, as well as the attraction of new companies and industries with high added value.
The products affected by this new law represent nearly 52 billion dollars in imports, which is equivalent to 8.6 percent of the national total. According to the Mexican Government, the reform will facilitate the protection of more than 320 thousand jobs at risk.
With information from EFE.
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