China Probes Mexico Tariffs and Pecan Imports

Mexico has proposed tariffs up to 50% on roughly 1,400–1,463 product categories from countries without free‑trade agreements — including cars, auto parts, textiles, toys, steel and furniture — saying the move is meant to boost domestic production while President Claudia Sheinbaum denies it is simply a response to U.S. pressure. China’s Ministry of Commerce launched a formal investigation under its foreign trade laws into whether Mexico’s measures constitute trade and investment barriers, warning the tariffs would seriously damage Chinese firms and undermine investor confidence. Beijing also opened an anti‑dumping probe into pecans from Mexico and the United States that officials say could run about a year. Chinese statements urged Mexico not to yield to “external coercion,” and Mexico has proposed high‑level talks and a working group to defuse tensions. If China’s probe finds barriers, Beijing could seek bilateral consultations, raise the case at the WTO or take other measures. The dispute could have spillover effects for other Asian suppliers to Mexico beyond China.