China Investigates Mexico’s Tariffs on Asian Imports Amid Trade Tensions

China has initiated an investigation into the import tariffs imposed by Mexico on products from Asia. These tariffs, which could reach as high as 50% on over 1,400 items, are aimed at safeguarding domestic factories that are struggling due to tariffs placed on Mexican exports to the United States by former President Donald Trump.

The Chinese Commerce Ministry released a statement on Thursday asserting that these tariffs represent a significant barrier to trade and investment. The Ministry expressed concern that these actions could adversely affect the interests of the countries involved. It stated, “China believes that, against the backdrop of the current U.S. abuse of tariffs, all countries should jointly oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism and must not sacrifice the interests of third parties because of coercion.”

The tariffs are particularly concerning for China, which exported approximately $130 billion worth of products to Mexico in 2024. This figure makes China the second-largest supplier to Mexico, following the United States. Other nations likely to be impacted include South Korea, Thailand, India, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

In addition to the investigation into Mexico’s tariffs, the Chinese Commerce Ministry also announced the commencement of an anti-dumping investigation concerning pecans imported from both Mexico and the United States. This move highlights the growing tensions in international trade relations.

While Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has maintained that the tariffs are not a result of pressure from the U.S. administration, the backdrop of U.S. demands for reduced Chinese imports complicates the situation. The Trump administration has previously indicated that some products from China were being funneled through Mexico as a means of accessing the U.S. market.

It remains uncertain what concrete actions may follow the investigation into Mexico’s tariffs. Should the investigation determine that a trade barrier exists, it could lead to consultations with the Mexican government, potential settlements under a multilateral framework, or other appropriate measures as outlined in the regulations governing such investigations.

The situation underscores the complexities of global trade dynamics, particularly as countries navigate pressures from larger economies. The outcome of this investigation may have significant implications not only for Mexico and China but also for the broader landscape of international trade relations.