China opens probe into Mexico tariffs as trade tensions rise
Beijing says Mexico's planned duties on Asian imports could affect other countries; China also launches an anti-dumping probe on pecans; Mexican president seeks dialogue with Beijing
BEIJING — China has opened an official investigation into whether Mexico’s planned tariffs on imports from Asia amount to a trade and investment barrier, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said Friday. Mexico plans to impose tariffs as high as 50% on more than 1,400 products from Asia to protect domestic factories, which are facing stiff tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on exports to the United States.
China's Commerce Ministry said the tariffs would harm the interests of affected countries and urged opposition to unilateralism and protectionism. The ministry also announced an anti-dumping investigation into pecans imported from Mexico and the United States. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum denied Friday that Mexico's tariffs had raised commercial tensions with China, saying Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard had proposed creating a high-level working group to facilitate dialogue with the Chinese ambassador to Mexico. Sheinbaum voiced support for that dialogue so that Chinese authorities understand the situation and the government’s push to boost domestic production and consumption.
Mexico has faced pressure from the Trump administration to limit Chinese imports, some of which the United States says are routed through Mexico to reach the U.S. market. China would be among the most affected, as Mexico imported $130 billion worth of goods from China in 2024, second only to what Mexico bought from the United States. Other countries hit would include South Korea, Thailand, India, the Philippines and Indonesia. It is not clear whether the investigation will prompt concrete steps against Mexico. Under the regulation governing such investigations, a finding that a trade barrier exists can lead to consultations with the other country, a settlement under a multilateral framework and other appropriate measures.
The inquiry arrives as Mexico pursues measures to diversify its trade and shield its manufacturing base amid a broader global debate over how tariffs are used to influence commerce. Analysts say the outcome remains uncertain, with potential paths ranging from talks and settlements to formal actions under multilateral trade rules.