The Mexican Chamber of Deputies has passed in the first reading an initiative to impose import tariffs of up to 50% on products from Asian countries, including China, South Korea, Thailand, India, and Indonesia. The measure aims to balance the playing field for the national industry, preventing commercial opening from leading to structural vulnerability for local products. The initiative, proposed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, has revived internal tensions within the 'Fourth Transformation' (4T) coalition. MORENA coordinator Ricardo Monreal justified the bill, stating it is a convinced support for the president. However, the Labor Party (PT) abstained from the vote, arguing that an abrupt increase in tariffs, especially on intermediate goods, could generate inflationary pressures in the short term. The bill now moves to the Senate for a final vote. This move is also seen as a way to align positions with the United States under Donald Trump, who is leading an international crusade against the Asian giant.
