The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) Photo: VCG

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced on Thursday the initiation of a trade and investment barriers investigation into Mexico's proposed tariff increases on Chinese goods and investments, citing potential harm to Chinese enterprises, effective the same day.

The investigation is launched based on China's Foreign Trade Law and the MOFCOM's rules on investigation of foreign trade barriers, according to a MOFCOM statement.

Preliminary evidence and information obtained by the MOFCOM indicate that a proposal published in Mexico's official gazette of the Congress on September 9, 2025, aiming to increase import tariff rates for products from non-free trade agreement partners including China, would seriously impair the trade and investment interests of Chinese enterprises.

The proposed measures cover a wide range of goods, including automobiles and auto parts, textiles, clothing, plastics, steel, household appliances, aluminum, toys, furniture, footwear, leather goods, paper and paperboard, motorcycles, and glass. Additionally, the probe will examine other trade and investment restrictions imposed by Mexico on China in recent years, the MOFCOM said.

The investigation began on September 25, 2025. MOFCOM may employ questionnaires, hearings, and on-site investigations to gather information from stakeholders. The probe is expected to conclude within six months, with a possible three-month extension under special circumstances, according to statement.

Stakeholders wishing to provide comments on issues related to the initiation of the investigation must submit their written opinions to the MOFCOM Trade Remedy and Investigation Bureau within 20 days from the date of this announcement, the statement said.

In response to media inquiries about the move, a MOFCOM spokesperson said that China firmly believes that, amid the current US imposition of excessive tariffs, all nations should collectively oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism. "No country should sacrifice the interests of third parties under external pressure," a MOFCOM statement said. 

Should Mexico's unilateral tariff increases take effect, even within the WTO framework, they would harm the interests of trading partners, including China, undermine the certainty of Mexico's business environment, and erode investor confidence in Mexico, according to the spokesperson, saying that China strongly opposes such measures.

To resolutely safeguard the interests of relevant Chinese industries, the MOFCOM has decided to initiate a trade and investment barrier investigation into Mexico's proposed tariff hikes and other restrictive measures targeting Chinese goods, in accordance with the Foreign Trade Law of the People's Republic of China and the rules on investigations of foreign trade barriers, per the statement.

The spokesperson said that this investigation will adhere to principles of impartiality, fairness, and transparency. China welcomes active participation from all stakeholders affected by Mexico's measures, including domestic Chinese industries and enterprises. "MOFCOM will make an objective and fair determination based on the investigation's findings and will take necessary measures as appropriate to firmly protect China's legitimate rights and interests," the spokesperson added.

Global Times