멕시코, 중국산 철강·자동차 추가 관세 검토…미국 요구 부응?

A report has emerged that Mexico's government is considering reviewing its plans to impose additional tariffs on Chinese steel and automobiles. The interpretation suggests that Mexico is responding to the United States' demand for the North American Free Trade Agreement (USMCA). According to four informed sources cited by Bloomberg News, Mexico's government is internally discussing imposing new tariffs on products imported from specific countries, including China.

The Mexican Ministry of Economy and Finance is evaluating which items among those products, such as steel and automobiles, should have new tariffs imposed and what the tariff rates should be. The ministry has not disclosed any specific plans or proposals for the tariff adjustments. However, the Ministry of Economy, which oversees international trade, has been engaging in continuous consultations with businesses and industries over the past few months, similar to measures implemented in the beginning of the year.

The Ministry of Economy stated that it would continue to investigate individual cases where imported goods are priced below their production cost, which could potentially lead to new tariffs. Mexico has recently confirmed anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese polyvinyl chloride sheets, panels, and lead oxides, as well as anti-dumping investigations into hot-rolled steel sheets.

The Finance Ministry declined to comment. Bloomberg News interpreted this move as Mexico's government attempting to strengthen its trade relations with the United States by partially complying with the United States' demand, following President Donald Trump's announcement that the North American Free Trade Agreement would not be extended annually but would have its status evaluated each year.

President Enrique Peña Nieto has stated that Mexico is reviewing the situation while protecting its manufacturing sector by examining options to impose higher tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum. In January, Mexico imposed tariffs of up to 50% on over 1500 items, including Chinese automobiles and steel, which resulted in a nearly one-third decrease in Chinese imports by May of this year, with a reduction of over 40% in the import of cars and parts.