Mexican Senate Passes Bill to Impose Tariffs of Up to 50% on Goods from China and Others Starting Next Year

December 10, 2025 - The Mexican Senate has approved imposing tariffs of up to 50% on imported goods from China and other Asian countries starting next year, aiming to boost domestic industries and reduce dependence on imports.

The Mexican Senate passed the proposal with 76 votes in favor, 5 against, and 35 abstentions. Previously passed by the Chamber of Deputies, the bill will levy tariffs of up to 50% on products imported from Asian countries, including China, that do not have a trade agreement with Mexico, with the tariff rate for most goods reaching 35%. The affected products mainly include automobiles, auto parts, textiles, apparel, plastics, and steel.

Compared to the initial proposal, which covered about 1,400 product categories (primarily textiles, apparel, steel, auto parts, plastic products, and footwear), the version passed by the Senate is somewhat moderated, with tariff rates reduced for about two-thirds of the products.

China's Ministry of Commerce responded on Thursday, stating it would closely monitor Mexico's new tariff system and assess its impact, while warning that such measures would "severely harm" trade interests. The ministry said, "China has consistently opposed any form of unilateral tariff imposition and hopes Mexico will promptly correct such unilateralist and protectionist practices."

Reuters cited analysis from private institutions suggesting that Mexico's move aims to placate the United States ahead of the next review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), while also generating an additional $3.76 billion in revenue for Mexico to reduce its fiscal deficit next year.

In addition to China, other Asian countries including India, South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia will also be affected by this bill.