According to foreign media reports, following approval by the lower house, Mexico’s Senate has finalized new tariffs on imports from China and other Asian countries. The move largely aligns with the U.S. tightening of trade barriers against China and is also part of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s measures to protect domestic industries.

On the evening of December 10 local time, Mexico’s Senate passed a new bill imposing tariffs ranging from 5% to 50% on over 1,400 products imported from Asian countries that lack free trade agreements with Mexico. The bill was approved with 76 votes in favor, 5 against, and 35 abstentions.

The new tariffs, effective next year, will cover goods such as apparel, metals, automobiles, and auto parts, with Chinese products bearing the brunt. Under the bill, Chinese vehicles will face tariffs as high as 50%. China’s auto industry now holds a 20% share of the Mexican market—a significant increase from just six years ago when exports to Mexico were minimal.

Mexican officials and local automotive associations have supported the tariffs to safeguard domestic production. However, Sheinbaum stated that the measure is not specifically targeted at China but will affect all nations without free trade agreements with Mexico, including South Korea. The bill aims to boost local manufacturing and protect industries such as automobiles and textiles.

Our goal is not to create conflicts with any country in the world, and we hold great respect for China,” Sheinbaum added at the press conference. The passage of the bill coincided with Sheinbaum’s trade negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump and reflected potential measures by Mexico—under pressure to align with Trump’s priorities—to impose tariffs on Chinese goods, which might help ease the U.S.’s harsh tariffs on Mexican steel and aluminum.

Although Sheinbaum publicly denied any connection between the new bill and Trump’s tariff offensive against China, the new tariffs resemble U.S. practices. Her stance aligns with U.S. concerns over so-called “transshipment of Chinese exports via third countries” and echoes Canada’s move last year to follow the U.S. in imposing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum.

Mexico’s Finance Ministry estimates the new tariffs will generate approximately 52 billion pesos ($2.8 billion) in additional revenue next year.

In response, China’s Ministry of Commerce stated, “We hope Mexico will promptly correct its misguided unilateral and protectionist actions.” The ministry added that China would closely monitor the implementation of the measure and assess its impact.

Additionally, to safeguard the interests of Chinese industries, the ministry launched a trade and investment barrier investigation against Mexico in late September under legal provisions, which remains ongoing.

China maintains a significant trade surplus with Mexico. According to Chinese customs data, last year’s exports to Mexico exceeded imports by $71 billion. If China decides to retaliate, copper ore and concentrates could be potential targets.