Tariffs on Asian goods are a fundamental advance to address the crisis facing the steel industry in Mexico, said the National Chamber of the Iron and Steel Industry (Canacero).
The organization assured that they are a tool that strengthens national production, promotes import substitution and promotes national content, strategic objectives outlined in the Mexico Plan.
He celebrated the approval of the reform to the General Import and Export Tax Law in the face of the 50% drop in Mexican steel exports to the United States, since “the unjust implementation” of the section 232 tariffs by that country.
He also highlighted the fall in production and consumption, which are at minimum levels in the accumulated period from January to October compared to the same period in 2024, as well as the effects that the industry is experiencing due to unfair trade practices by Asian countries.
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“We express our recognition to the Government of Mexico headed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, who through the Ministry of Economy proposed these actions that are close to those imposed by our trading partners and that represent an important advance to achieve true regionalization in North America free of tariffs,” he noted in a statement.
The Senate approved on Wednesday the law that imposes tariffs of between 5 and 50% 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.
This protectionist turn by Mexico occurs as the country prepares for the review of the Trade Agreement with the United States and Canada (USMCA), scheduled for next year amid constant threats from President Donald Trump.
For its part, China expressed hours after the approval its “hope” that Mexico “corrects its erroneous practices of unilateralism and protectionism as soon as possible” for products from the Asian giant and other nations in the region.
Tariffs safeguard national production: Concamin
The Confederation of Industrial Chambers of the United Mexican States (Concamin) also celebrated the increase in tariffs on products from Asian countries with which Mexico does not have trade agreements.
“These modifications are the result of a constructive, permanent and open dialogue with the Ministry of Economy and legislators, and represent an important step to strengthen the national industry through an active industrial policy,” he said in a statement.
He asserted that the reforms to various tariff fractions safeguard national production against harmful international trade practices.
He noted that the changes reflect an industrial policy consistent with the country’s needs, aimed at consolidating key productive chains and promoting greater national content in strategic sectors.
He also said that they are aligned with the objectives set out in Plan Mexico, which seeks to consolidate a more solid economic environment and reduce dependence on imports that could put local production at risk.
“Concamin reiterates its willingness to continue with the technical analysis of the implementation of these reforms and points out that, if future adjustments are required, the industry and the authorities will have the necessary time to carry them out in an orderly and effective manner,” he stated.
Czech: Tariffs on Asian products shield the Mexican industry: Concamin
Conditions of competition will be restored: textile industry
The National Chamber of the Textile Industry (Canaintex) also recognized the increase in tariffs on fractions from countries without a trade agreement.
The organization noted in a statement that it is an advance that contributes to reestablishing more balanced conditions of competition in a strategic industry for formal employment and the productive integration of the country.
He recalled that the textile industry has the highest national content in its exports, reaching 36%, which makes it a key pillar for industrial development.
He explained that in recent years, the sector has faced unfair trade practices, undervaluation and 11 negative quarters in its manufacturing GDP.
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“In this context, tariff adjustment is a necessary tool to contain the loss of jobs, promote competitive import substitution and strengthen national content, in line with the objectives of #PlanMexico,” he highlighted.
He trusted that the effectiveness of the measure will be strengthened through adequate application in customs, particularly in control, intelligence and traceability, as well as with the prompt implementation of the General Foreign Trade Rules aligned with the reform of the Customs Law, elements that, he anticipated, will contribute to inhibit undervaluation and reduce technical smuggling.
Key to avoiding market distortions
The Mexican Association of the Automotive Industry assured in a statement that the approved tariffs are key to strengthening national production and avoiding market distortions by establishing conditions of effective competition.
After recognizing the work of Congress and the federal government, the industry reiterated its commitment to continue adding actions to strengthen the automotive sector in Mexico.
With information from EFE
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