Ministry of Commerce: Urges Mexico to Promptly Correct Unilateral Protectionist Practices

Ministry of Commerce: Urges Mexico to Promptly Correct Unilateral Protectionist Practices

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, December 11 – A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce stated on the 11th that China consistently opposes all forms of unilateral tariff hikes and urges Mexico to promptly correct such erroneous unilateralist and protectionist practices.

Journalist Inquiry:
Local Mexican media reported that on December 10 (local time), Mexico’s Senate and Chamber of Deputies passed a bill to raise tariffs on non-free trade partners, with new rates taking effect on January 1, 2026. It was noted that the approved version adjusted certain tariff items and rates compared to the proposal submitted by the Mexican government to Congress in September. What is the Ministry of Commerce’s response?

Spokesperson’s Response:
We have taken note of relevant reports and will closely monitor the implementation of Mexico’s measures while further assessing their implications. Although the approved bill reduced tariff rates on some items such as auto parts, light industrial products, and textiles compared to the September proposal, its implementation would still substantively harm the interests of relevant trading partners, including China.

China consistently opposes all forms of unilateral tariff hikes and urges Mexico to promptly correct such erroneous unilateralist and protectionist practices. To safeguard the interests of relevant Chinese industries, the Ministry of Commerce initiated a trade barrier investigation against Mexico in accordance with the law at the end of September, which is currently ongoing.

We also observed recent remarks by senior Mexican officials suggesting these tariff adjustments would serve as a safeguard for the future review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). While China welcomes the resolution of trade differences through economic agreements, no agreement should undermine global trade development or infringe upon China’s legitimate interests. We hope Mexico will act prudently in this regard.

The spokesperson emphasized that China highly values Sino-Mexican economic and trade relations and actively promotes their healthy, stable development. Against the backdrop of complex global dynamics and the looming threat of protectionism, we urge Mexico to work with China in the same direction: enhancing communication, properly managing differences, deepening practical cooperation, and jointly upholding the broader interests of bilateral economic and trade relations.