Mexico City, Dec 11 (V7N) — Mexico has announced tariffs of up to 50 percent on goods from several Asian countries, including India, China, South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia, marking a major shift from the country’s long-standing free trade policy. The tariffs, which take effect next year, will be gradually expanded until 2026, according to reports from the BBC and Hindustan Times.

The Mexican Senate approved the measure for more than 1,400 products, with 76 votes in favor, five against, and 35 abstentions. The lower house had previously approved the proposal. The new duties will apply to countries without a trade agreement with Mexico.

The tariffs will mainly affect raw materials for industrial factories and consumer goods, including cars and car parts, textiles, clothing, plastics, metals, and shoes. While some products will face tariffs up to 50 percent, most will be taxed at around 35 percent.

Impact on India
India has long viewed Mexico as a strategic market to expand exports to Latin America. As the region’s second-largest economy, Mexico also serves as an important gateway to North America’s supply chain. The new tariff regime is expected to reduce India’s competitive advantage, particularly in textiles, leather, auto parts, and steel sectors. Indian companies exporting via Mexico may face higher costs and may need to rethink their supply chains. Some Mexican factories dependent on imports have warned that the tariffs could increase production costs and fuel inflation. India’s Ministry of Commerce has not yet commented.

U.S. Pressure?
Analysts suggest that Mexico’s protectionist approach may be influenced by pressure from the United States, ahead of the USMCA review next year. The U.S. has already imposed heavy tariffs on Chinese goods, and Mexico could be hoping that similar measures will ease U.S. tariffs on its own exports. Although President Claudia Sheinbaum denied that the move responds to U.S. demands, Bloomberg reports that the tariff structure closely mirrors U.S. policy.

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