The Mexican Congress approved, this Wednesday (10/12), the increase in import tariffs for products from countries with which it does not have trade agreements, including Brazil. The change affects 1,400 items and provides for rates of at least 35%. The new rules are expected to come into effect on January 1, 2026.
The measure received final approval from the Senate, after passing through the Chamber of Deputies also this Wednesday. President Claudia Sheinbaum’s party, which controls both chambers, believes that this readjustment is necessary to encourage national production. The project was approved by 76 votes in favor, five against and 35 abstentions.
Besides Brazil, eight other countries were affected. These are China, South Korea, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Turkey and Taiwan. A total of 1,463 tariff classifications will be changed, covering sectors such as automobiles, textiles, clothing, household appliances, plastics and footwear.
Some senators who chose to abstain said the plan was discussed with little time in advance and without sufficient studies on the effect of tariffs on inflation. Some parliamentarians also pointed out that the decision would have been influenced by pressure from US President Donald Trump.
Read also
-
Brazil
Lula takes advantage of Trump’s openness and tries to move forward in reducing customs tariffs
-
World
White House and US Embassy publish article on easing tariffs
-
Business
The dollar soars and the stock market falls despite Trump’s suspension of tariffs
-
Business
Coffee prices fall after Trump’s decision to cut tariffs by 40%
External pressure
The proposal reached Congress amid intensifying trade disputes between the United States and China. Sheinbaum faces criticism that Mexico serves as an entry point for Chinese products into the U.S. market. Additionally, the country is preparing, along with Canada, to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (CUSMA) with the United States, which presents new requirements.
After presenting the proposal, the Chinese government said it opposed “coercion” to restrict exports and said it was evaluating the responses. Mexico has even proposed the creation of a working group to discuss the issue with Beijing, but few details have been released.
Government lawmakers say the tariff increase aims to strengthen Mexican industry, expand production lines and encourage job creation. The president maintains that the initiative is part of the so-called Plan Mexico, a program aimed at reducing dependence on imports and increasing the national content of products.
About The Author
