Vietnam’s exports to Mexico double amid fears of Chinese tariff-dodging

In the first six months of 2026, Mexico's imports from Vietnam more than doubled, reaching a record high of $22.37 billion. This surge in trade raised suspicions that Chinese goods may be mislabeled as Vietnamese to avoid high tariffs when entering Mexico. According to Bank of Mexico data, Mexico's imports from Vietnam have increased significantly since 2010, with purchases last year being nearly 26 times higher than they were a decade ago.

Currently, Vietnam is a favored destination for Mexican imports, with tech products such as electronic circuits, telephones, computers, and machinery parts being the main items imported. Mexico imposed new and higher tariffs on goods from China and other non-FTA countries in early January 2026 to protect its domestic industries.

As a result, Vietnamese goods can enter Mexico tariff-free due to their participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). However, there is a risk that Chinese products could be transshipped through Vietnam to be relabeled as Vietnamese, thus avoiding tariffs. The U.S. government has identified Vietnam as a potential "shadow transshipment hub" for Chinese goods, which could undermine Mexico's efforts to safeguard its domestic industries.

Vietnam has stated that it will address U.S. concerns about the transshipment of goods in a constructive manner.