BEIJING (AP) In a significant move, China has initiated an investigation regarding the import tariffs that Mexico is planning to impose, which may be seen as a barrier to trade and investment. The Mexican government has proposed to impose taxes as high as 50% on over 1,400 products originating from Asia, aiming to protect its domestic industries that are currently facing heavy tariffs on exports to the United States, particularly those enforced by President Donald Trump.
The Chinese Commerce Ministry issued a statement on Thursday, articulating concerns that these tariffs could adversely affect the interests of the countries involved. The statement emphasized that in light of the United States' excessive use of tariffs, it is imperative for all nations to collectively resist forms of unilateralism and protectionism, and to ensure that third-party interests are not compromised due to external pressures.
Additionally, the Commerce Ministry announced the launch of an anti-dumping investigation into pecan imports from Mexico and the United States. This suggests that trade relations between China and its global partners, especially those impacted by U.S. trade policies, are under scrutiny as tensions in international trade continue to escalate.
Mexico is under considerable pressure from the Trump administration to regulate Chinese imports, as the U.S. government alleges that some Chinese goods are being funneled through Mexico to enter the American market. Despite this pressure, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the tariffs are not a result of external coercion, indicating a determination to maintain national economic interests irrespective of foreign influence.
The potential ramifications of the proposed tariffs are substantial for China, as it exported approximately $130 billion worth of goods to Mexico in 2024, making it the second-largest exporter to Mexico after the United States. Other countries likely to be affected by these tariffs include South Korea, Thailand, India, the Philippines, and Indonesia, highlighting the broader implications for international trade dynamics in the region.
At this juncture, it remains uncertain whether the investigation into the Mexican tariffs will lead to concrete actions against Mexico. According to the regulations governing such inquiries, a determination that a trade barrier exists could initiate consultations with the Mexican government, potentially paving the way for settlements under a multilateral framework and other suitable measures to address the concerns raised by the Chinese authorities.
As this situation unfolds, the international community will be closely monitoring the developments, particularly in light of ongoing trade tensions involving major global economies like the United States, China, and Mexico.
