The Mexican Senate approved this Wednesday the Law on General Import and Export Taxes (Ligie), which imposes tariffs of between 5% and 50% on 1,463 products from China and other Asian countries with which there is no trade agreement. The measure affects sectors such as textiles, aluminum, and plastics and will take effect from January 1, 2026.
The bill, initiated by President Claudia Sheinbaum, was passed with 76 votes in favor, 5 against, and 35 abstentions. The initiative, already approved by the Chamber of Deputies and considered of "urgent resolution," had no reservations and was sent to the Federal Executive.
In a statement, the Senate indicated that the law "seeks to implement concrete actions that allow for a balanced market interaction," to avoid economic distortions that could affect the relocation of productive sectors considered strategic for Mexico, as well as the attraction of new companies and high-value-added industries.
Thus, it imposes tariffs on 1,463 industrial products, such as textiles, steel, home appliances, and automobiles, from countries with which Mexico has no trade agreement and have a "significant participation" in the country's commercial flow, mainly Asian countries like China, South Korea, India, Vietnam, or Thailand.
According to Senator Emmanuel Reyes from the ruling party National Regeneration Movement (Morena), this project represents a "strategic proposal" to strengthen the country's productive capacity, as it aims to "correct trade distortions," unfair practices, and high dependence on imports. This will allow for the implementation of measures that guarantee equal opportunities and competition for Mexican products.
For his part, opposition Senator from the conservative National Action Party (PAN), Márquez, stated that "tariffs alone do not guarantee industrial strengthening because they are temporary; the ideal is that there is a comprehensive policy to accompany reindustrialization and import substitution."
This protectionist turn by Mexico occurs as the country prepares for the review of the Trade Agreement with the United States and Canada (T-MEC), scheduled for next year amid constant threats from US President Donald Trump.
The products affected by this new law represent nearly $52 billion in imports, equivalent to 8.6% of the national total. Of the 1,463 tariff lines to be modified, 706 correspond to textiles, 249 to iron and steel products, 94 to automobiles and parts, and 81 to plastics.
In addition, 316 of these tariff lines are not currently subject to tariffs, while the rest have some active rate, while 341 tariff lines have a 35% tariff and 302 apply a 10% rate.
The Federal Executive estimates that the reform will help protect more than 320,000 jobs at risk, located in regions such as Nuevo León, Jalisco, State of Mexico, Mexico City, and Querétaro.
