Only five days have passed since Mexico waved the tariff stick against China, and China's Ministry of Commerce immediately launched an investigation of vendors. What is the profound meaning behind the rapid trade counterattack? So let's take a look today.
On September 25, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce issued two consecutive announcements, launching an anti-dumping investigation into Mexican and U.S.-based Beagle, and launching an investigation into Mexican restrictions on trade and investment barriers.
According to data from the Ministry of Commerce Announcement 2025 No. 53, this counterattack is only 15 days after Mexico announced its proposal to impose additional tariffs on China.
Mexico proposed on September 10 to impose a 10 - 50% tariff on about 1400 goods from China and other countries.
Among them, car tariffs jumped from 20% to 50%, but why can't countries with free trade agreements in the United States and Canada be excluded?
According to the data, the volume of our trade with Mexico in 2024 is still quite high, with $1094.26 billion, China exports to Mexico is $902.32 billion, imports are very few, only $191.95 billion.
It is also this trade deficit that makes Mexico take a tough attitude towards China, but is there any other hidden secret behind it?
Gabriella Siller, an economic analyst in Mexico, bluntly said: Mexico's approach should have two purposes, one is to increase fiscal revenue, and the other is to show kindness to Trump!
We must know that China is Mexico's second largest source of imports, accounting for nearly 20% of their total imports, and Mexico's manufacturing industry is more than 30% dependent on Chinese parts and raw materials.
After increasing this tariff, how can these companies afford this rising cost?
What is even more serious is the deterioration of the investment environment. Mexico's China Science and Technology Chamber of Commerce confirmed that many China companies have suspended investment plans in Mexico.
A toy company is also considering moving to Vietnam, and a printed circuit board manufacturer may also give up plans to build a factory!
Did Mexico sacrifice long-term development for short-term benefits?
It is no accident that this pecango was chosen as the target of counter-measures. Mexico's pecango exports to China in 2024 will reach more than 800 million US dollars, which directly hits Mexico's agricultural weakness. (Source: Related reports from Lianhe Zaobao)
The investigation of trade barriers will be completed in six months, with an extension of three months in exceptional cases.
This window of time not only demonstrates China's position, but also leaves room for negotiations. Isn't it a mature and responsible approach?
Chinese ambassador to Mexico, Chen Dao Jiang, has long warned that the best way to avoid falling into this tariff spiral is not to fall into this protectionist trap from the start!
A statement issued by the Chinese embassy in Mexico on October 1 pointed out that so-called intolerant dependence is essentially naked to engage in those barriers, trade threats and trade bullying.
Officials at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico have previously said that they will not tolerate reliance on China in key technical areas.
When the global economy needs cooperation, is this act of politicizing economic and trade issues in the long-term interests of any country?
Mexico has chosen a side-to-side team in the game of the great powers, have you ever considered who will eventually become the tool in this geo-game?
The data on trade is cold, but real: $52 billion of Chinese goods are targeted, and $3.76 billion of tariffs are an expectation in Mexico.
But win-win cooperation has become an empty talk, and who can stay alone?
How do you think emerging nations defend their interests in the game of great powers?
Source:
1. Statement from the Chinese Embassy in Mexico (2025-10-01)
2. Announcement No. 53 of the Ministry of Commerce of 2025 (2025-09-25)
3. Data of the Economic and Commercial Section of the Embassy in Mexico
4. Related reports from Lianhe Zaobao (2025-09-26)