The Mexican president, Claudia Sheinbaum, said Friday that The planned increase in tariffs of up to 50% for imported cars from Asia is not a coercion measure or is directed directly against Chinawhen consulted on the critical position expressed by Beijing regarding the initiative.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has criticized Mexico’s decision to increase leviesstating that the measure would undermine investors and “seriously affect the business environment of Mexico.”
“They are not coercion measures and are not against China. They are not measures against a country. We have a very good relationship with China and we want to continue having a very good relationship with them,” The president said at her daily press conference.
The Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, announced on Wednesday that Mexico will upload tariffs to light cars imported from Asia -Specially from China-to 50% from 15% -20% current, after informing the previous day that the country would make a reform to correct commercial imbalances in key sectors.
The Government wields that tariff increases seek to replace imports from Asia with national production, Protect the industry in the country and comply with the so -called Mexico Plan, which aims to boost the Mexican economy.
Mexico has no commercial treaties with China, South Korea, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand and Türkiye. Its main commercial partner is the United States, with whom it shares a free trade agreement, together with Canada.
Sheinbaum said that Mexico is not violating any international norm and explained that the government had already spoken with China’s When he sent a commission months ago to the Asian nation and with the Chinese ambassador to the Mexican capital.
“Next week there will be talks with them (China). South Korea also approached the Chancellor to have talks and we will always be open to talks and it is nothing against any particular country”he added.
