China has strongly criticized Mexico over its proposal to impose steep tariffs on Chinese imports, warning the move could damage bilateral trade and suggesting it aligns too closely with U.S. President Donald Trump’s protectionist trade policies, Bloomberg reported Friday.
According to a statement from China’s Ministry of Commerce, Mexico is considering a 50% tariff on Chinese-made cars and other goods. The ministry urged Mexico to “think twice” before taking action and implied the proposed tariffs were not an independent policy decision, but a response to U.S. pressure.
“Any unilateral tariff increase by Mexico, even under WTO rules, would be seen as appeasement to unilateral bullying,” the statement said. “We urge the Mexican side to exercise extreme caution and consider carefully before taking any actions.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum defended the potential tariffs, saying they aim to protect Mexico’s domestic industries and are not intended to provoke a rift with China.
Trump has long criticized Mexico’s trade ties with China, accusing the country of acting as a “back door” for Chinese goods, including chemicals used in fentanyl production. His administration used tariffs extensively, particularly targeting China, to protect U.S. industries.
Despite growing tensions, trade between China and Mexico remains strong. China is Mexico’s largest source of car imports, while copper ore is a key Mexican export to China, used widely in electronics manufacturing. According to Chinese customs data cited by Bloomberg, China runs a $71 billion trade surplus with Mexico.
In a statement to the Daily Caller News Foundation, the Chinese Embassy warned the proposed tariffs could harm Mexico’s economy and bilateral relations, and said China would take “necessary measures” to defend its economic interests.
“At a time when the U.S.’s abuse of tariffs has drawn global criticism, countries should work together to support free trade and multilateralism,” the Embassy stated. “The interests of third parties must not be sacrificed due to coercion from others.”