The Mexican Senate approved, on Wednesday night (10), the increase in import tariffs for products from Brazil, China, and other countries without trade agreements with Mexico. The decision was taken after intense parliamentary debate and is part of a package of adjustments defended by President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The proposal had already been approved the previous day by the Chamber of Deputies and now awaits only official publication to take effect on January 1, 2026. The text passed in the Senate with 76 votes in favor, 5 against, and 35 abstentions, in a session that extended into the night.
The list of affected countries includes, besides Brazil and China, South Africa, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, India, Indonesia, Nicaragua, Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The new tariffs will cover 1,463 tariff classifications in 17 industrial sectors, such as automotive, textile, clothing, steelmaking, household appliances, furniture, footwear, and plastics — with the greatest impact on Chinese exports. For 316 of these items, there is currently no tax levied.
The original proposal called for surcharges of up to 50%, but most were adjusted to levels close to 20% to 35%. In some sectors, however, the maximum rate was maintained — as in the case of automobiles. The 50% rate aims particularly at Chinese automakers, which accounted for 20% of car sales in Mexico in November, according to data from the Mexican Association of Automotive Distributors. The country also became the world’s largest buyer of vehicles manufactured in China in the first half of this year, according to the Shanghai-based consultancy Automobility.
The Chinese reaction came immediately after Senate approval. The Ministry of Commerce stated that the measure causes “substantial harm” and regretted the Mexican government’s unilateral decision. The ministry also said it had urged Mexico to “correct its erroneous practices of unilateralism and protectionism as soon as possible”.
Among the parliamentarians who abstained from the vote, the main argument was that the bill had been rushed and drafted under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump. Defenders of the reform, however, emphasized that the goal is to protect local industry, preserve jobs, and strengthen domestic production chains.
According to broadcaster N+, the impacted products total US$ 52 billion — about 8.6% of all Mexican imports. The government estimates that the decision will help preserve 320,000 jobs in the country. The Ministry of Finance also projected an increase of US$ 2.5 billion in revenue next year.
Fonte: brasil247.com