Mexico introduces new measures to cope with pressure on imports of low-priced steel and textiles

[Mexico City, May 6, 2025] In order to protect the country's manufacturing industry and cope with the impact of low-cost imported goods on domestic industries, the Mexican government recently announced a number of response measures, focusing on large-scale imports in the steel and textile fields.

From April 23, 2024, Mexico will impose temporary import tariffs of 5% to 50% on 544 categories of goods from countries with which it does not sign a free trade agreement, and will be valid for two years. Among them, the tariffs on textiles, clothing and footwear have been raised to 35%, and the tariffs on some steel products have reached 50%. The new regulations specifically target low-priced goods in Asian countries to prevent unfair competition against local Mexican businesses.

In addition, the government has imposed a 35% tariff on 138 finished textiles and a 15% tariff on 17 categories of unprocessed textiles. At the same time, it has expanded the category of textiles prohibited from importing to prevent enterprises from evading tariffs through false uses.

In the field of steel, Mexico has stepped up its review of import licenses and canceled a large number of licenses with violations to prevent tariff evasion. The government has also set reference prices for furniture, textiles and other products to curb the phenomenon of low import prices.

The Mexican government said the measures aim to stimulate domestic industrial development, stabilize employment, and enhance Mexico's competitiveness in the global supply chain. Despite the potential pressure on domestic inflation, the government believes it is worth the price.

These policies also reflect Mexico's strategic adjustments under changes in the global trade landscape, especially within the framework of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to reduce its dependence on Chinese parts and promote localization and integrated production layout in North America.