Por: Meridecom | Nov 20, 2025 | Economy
2025: Will Mexico Raise Tariffs on Asia? Here’s What You Need to Know
A tariff is a tax countries charge on goods entering their territory; it is usually a percentage of the product’s value (ad valorem) and is used to collect revenue, protect local industry, and regulate trade.
Mexico applies tariffs on imports from Asia through two tracks: the standard rate for countries without a trade agreement (the World Trade Organization’s Most-Favored-Nation, MFN, regime—effective since Mexico joined the GATT in 1986 and the WTO in 1995) and preferential rates where agreements exist. In Asia, those preferences mainly come from the Mexico–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (2005) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, CPTPP (2018), which reduce or eliminate tariffs on many goods if rules of origin are met.
How Does Mexico’s Tariff System Work Today? (General Overview)
- Base tariff (MFN/WTO): For countries without a trade agreement with Mexico (for example, China, India, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, the Philippines), Mexico applies the WTO Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) tariff according to the Tariff Schedule under the Law on General Import and Export Taxes (TIGIE). Since 2024, Mexico has imposed temporary tariffs of 5% to 50% on 544 tariff lines (steel, aluminum, textiles, footwear, chemicals, wood, plastics, glass, electricals, transport, furniture, musical instruments, etc.), in force for two years starting April 23, 2024.
- Preferential tariffs (FTAs): With CPTPP partners—Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei—and under the Mexico–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (MJEPA/AAEMJ), preferential rates apply based on rules of origin and the treaty’s staging schedules.
What Has Already Been Implemented (2023–2025)?
- Broad tariff increases (April 2024): A decree that temporarily raises tariffs to 5%–50% on 544 lines for countries without FTAs. Validity: 04/23/2024–04/23/2026.
- Low-value e-commerce purchases (courier):
- From January 1, 2025: A minimum tax of 19% on imports via platforms such as Shein, Temu, AliExpress (countries without FTAs), plus local tax obligations.
- From August 15, 2025: The levy on low-value parcels rises to 33.5% (up from 19%).
- Footwear (trade defense and programs):
- Definitive antidumping duties on footwear originating in China, published September 3, 2025. (Antidumping duties are amounts paid in addition to the tariff to offset unfairly priced imports.)
- IMMEX (Manufacturing, Maquiladora and Export Services Program): On August 28, 2025, Mexico prohibited temporary imports of finished footwear under IMMEX, closing a duty-deferral route for that sector.
What Is Being Considered for 2025?
- Broad tariff reform (countries without FTAs): The government proposed raising tariffs on a large set of items (automotive, textiles, steel, chemicals, etc.). In particular, it proposed increasing the tariff on vehicles imported from non-FTA countries (e.g., China) up to 50% (from 15%–20%), and auto parts to 10%–50% (from 0%–35%). These measures, announced in September–October 2025, remained under definition/legislative and diplomatic discussion.
- International reactions: China expressed concern about the proposed 50% rate on autos and requested dialogue with Mexico. (This is relevant for potential bilateral consultations or supply-chain adjustments.)
How Would This Change Your Imports from Asia?
- Higher total landed costs: A higher tariff (import tax) increases the base on which VAT at customs is calculated, raising financial costs and tying up more working capital in inventory.
- Uneven sector impact: Sectors such as automotive, auto parts, textiles-apparel, and footwear would see the largest changes (tariffs and, where applicable, antidumping duties). Check your tariff classification (the number that classifies your product) and whether your origin qualifies for preferential treatment (CPTPP/MJEPA).
- More conditions on promotion programs: The IMMEX–footwear case shows there will be stricter limits on temporary imports for sensitive lines (less room to defer tariffs).
- Courier and “low value”: If you import by courier or platforms, the effective charge increased from 19% to 33.5% for the low-value scheme (under certain thresholds).
- Risk of trade frictions: Diplomatic notes and concerns can translate into tighter verifications and supplier reconfiguration (more sourcing from CPTPP partners or production that meets rules of origin to qualify for preferences).
Importing from Asia? Avoid surprise costs and ensure compliance (tariff classification, CPTPP/MJEPA rules of origin, “low value,” antidumping duties).
Meridecom can support you with legal advice on imports. Schedule your consultation with Meridecom
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