Mexico: customs duties up to 50% on Chinese products from January 2026
A decree published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación on 29 December 2025 raises, from 1 January 2026, customs duties on around 1,463 tariff lines imported from countries with no free trade agreement with Mexico, including China, with rates ranging from 5% to 50% depending on the product.
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The Mexican government published a decree in the Diario Oficial de la Federación on 29 December 2025 amending the tariff schedule of the general import law, applicable to products originating from countries with no free trade treaty with Mexico, including China, India, South Korea, Indonesia and Thailand. The decree covers around 1,463 tariff lines and took effect on 1 January 2026.
The announced rates range from 5% to 50% depending on the sector: most fall between 20% and 35%, with specific cases reaching up to 50%, notably on certain auto parts and electric vehicles. Toys are affected at 30%, textiles and footwear at 35%, according to Mexican business media that reviewed the official text. The Mexican government presents the measure as not targeting any particular country, while explicitly aiming to protect around 350,000 jobs in the automotive, textile, footwear and steel sectors.
The decree took effect on 1 January 2026 and applies with no announced transition period for the products concerned. China has voiced its disagreement with the measure through diplomatic channels.
All Mexican importers of Chinese products falling under the 1,463 listed tariff lines are affected, notably in toys, clothing, footwear, household appliances, furniture, plastic goods and certain auto parts: the applicable rate now depends on the product's precise tariff classification, not simply on its Chinese origin.
What it changes for an importer
For a client importing toys, textiles, footwear, household appliances or furniture into Mexico from China, this decree can significantly raise the landed cost depending on the product's exact tariff line, with some rates reaching 50%. Checking the precise tariff classification before placing an order has become essential, rather than relying on an assumed average rate. Sorva can help verify the product data sheet and tariff classification with the Chinese supplier before shipment, but the final calculation of duties owed in Mexico and clearance on arrival are matters for the importer's Mexican customs agent, not Sorva.
The certifications your country requires
In US dollars, on quotation, added to the same core service.
Latin America Import documents
On quotationIn US dollars
Certificate of origin (on the free trade agreement form where one exists, as with Chile, Peru, Costa Rica or Ecuador), invoice and packing list with the required particulars, translations into Spanish or Portuguese.
- List of the documents your customs authority asks for
- Certificate of origin requested in China on the right form
- Commercial invoice and packing list with the required particulars
- Review of the documents before shipment
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