Mexico announces up to 50% tariffs on goods from India, other Asian nations

Mexico has announced a major tariff hike affecting imports from India, China, and several other Asian countries that do not have free trade agreements with the country. The Senate approved the measure, which imposes higher duties on over 1,400 products, including automobiles, auto parts, textiles, apparel, plastics, metals, and footwear. While most goods will face tariffs around 35%, some items could be subjected to rates as high as 50%. The new tariffs are scheduled to take effect from January 2026 and apply specifically to goods coming from countries without formal trade agreements with Mexico, such as India, China, South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia. The move represents a shift from Mexico’s traditionally pro‑free trade stance, aiming to protect domestic industries while generating additional revenue. Experts warn that the tariffs may raise production costs and consumer prices in Mexico. For exporters from India and other affected countries, this could make competing in the Mexican market more challenging. Analysts also note that the decision may be influenced by broader geopolitical considerations, including alignment with the United States ahead of the review of the US‑Mexico‑Canada trade agreement (USMCA).