Mexico Announces 50% Tariff Hike on Chinese and Asian Automobiles; China Urges Caution

On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Mexico declared plans to impose a 50% tariff on automobiles imported from China and other Asian countries. In a late-night response on Thursday, September 11, China's Ministry of Commerce called on Mexico to exercise extreme caution and reconsider its decision, warning that it would take necessary measures to protect its legitimate interests.

In a formal statement addressing inquiries from journalists, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce expressed concern over Mexico's proposed tariff increases, which target approximately 1,400 product categories, including automobiles, toys, steel, textiles, and plastics. The tariffs, ranging from 10% to 50%, would apply to imports from countries, including China, that lack free trade agreements with Mexico.

The Ministry stated it is closely monitoring the situation and conducting a detailed evaluation of Mexico’s measures. It criticized the move, noting that "at a time when the United States’ excessive tariff policies face widespread global opposition, any unilateral tariff action by Mexico, even if compliant with WTO rules, risks being perceived as acquiescence to unilateral coercion."

Highlighting the importance of China-Mexico economic and trade ties, the statement warned that the proposed tariffs could undermine bilateral cooperation. The Ministry urged Mexico to "proceed with utmost caution and deliberate carefully." It further affirmed that China "will adopt necessary measures based on the circumstances to firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests."