Singapore’s primary Chinese language newspaper Lianhe Zaobao recently reported that according to people familiar with the matter, the Mexican government plans to raise import tariffs on Chinese goods in its proposed budget bill next month to protect domestic businesses and meet demands from U.S. President Donald Trump.
The proposed tariff increase, which covers Chinese goods such as cars, textiles and plastics, is intended to protect Mexican manufacturers from competition from subsidized Chinese products. Other Asian countries are also expected to face higher tariffs under this bill.
Since the beginning of the year, the U.S. Trump administration has been urging Mexico to follow the United States and raise tariffs on China. Mexican officials subsequently proposed the concept of a “Fortress North America” that would restrict goods from China while strengthening trade and manufacturing ties with Mexico and Canada.
The spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to media inquiries at a regular press conference, pointing out that Mexico is China’s second largest trading partner in Latin America, and China is Mexico’s third largest export destination. China “firmly opposes” any attempt to impose restrictions on China under any excuse by others, which undermines China’s legitimate rights and interests.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao, August 28, 2025
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/world/story20250828-7424641