Mexico announced on Wednesday that it will impose a 50% import tariff on cars from China and other Asian countries. The Mexican government said this comprehensive reform of import tariffs will protect employment, while analysts believe the move is intended to appease the United States.
The Mexican Ministry of Economy stated that this measure will increase tariffs on goods in multiple industries, including textiles, steel, and automobiles, affecting imported products worth $52 billion.
When asked about the additional tariffs on Chinese cars—currently at 20%—Mexican Minister of Economy Ebrard told reporters, "They already have tariffs. We will raise them to the maximum level allowed."
Currently, the United States is pressuring Latin American countries to limit their economic ties with China.
Comment: Clearly, national interests play a key role here. At present, the United States is making every effort to pressure Latin American countries to limit their economic ties with China, trying to build so-called "economic barriers." Mexico's recent tariff hike is likely aimed at appeasing the United States and mitigating the trade threats of the Trump administration. Since Trump returned to the White House, he has repeatedly used the threat of halting the USMCA as leverage to urge Mexico to align its trade policies with the United States, imposing stricter tariff barriers on Chinese goods to establish a "North American fortress" to block Chinese products from entering. However, if Mexico continues to follow American instructions, sacrificing its own economic interests and Sino-Mexican friendly relations, it may face future challenges such as economic development stagnation and reduced diplomatic autonomy.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1842970599121288/
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