Overview
- Mexico’s economy chief Marcelo Ebrard said the government will hold several meetings with Chinese officials throughout 2026, including a high‑level group session focused on tariffs and market access.
- The planned talks follow China’s Commerce Ministry finding that Mexico’s recent tariff increases act as barriers to trade and investment, with Beijing stating it has the right to adopt countermeasures.
- Mexico raised duties in December 2025 on imports from countries without a free‑trade pact, including China, with rates up to about 35% across more than 1,000 tariff lines in sectors such as steel, textiles, footwear, and autos.
- China estimates the Mexican measures touch more than $30 billion in its exports and could cost about $9.4 billion for its mechanical and electrical industries, with most of the hit in autos and auto parts.
- Ebrard said Mexico will use venues in both countries and at this year’s APEC meetings in China to press concerns about tough entry for Mexican goods, while insisting the tariffs level the playing field and comply with World Trade Organization rules.