Mexico acting under coercion to constrain' China with 50% tariff on cars, says Beijing

"China's ministry of foreign affairs said Beijing firmly rejects moves that are taken under coercion to constrain China or undermine China's legitimate rights and interests under any pretext. We will firmly protect our rights and interests in light of the developments of the situation, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a regular briefing. China attaches great importance to its relations with Mexico and hopes that Mexico will work with China to jointly advance world economic recovery and the development of global trade."

"Separately, China's commerce ministry warned of countermeasures, saying it hoped Mexico will be extremely cautious, and think twice before acting. The Mexican tariff plan still needs to be approved by its Congress, where the government holds a significant majority. John Price, managing director at Americas Market Intelligence, said that Mexico, which exports many of its own vehicles to the United States, was responding to US pressure while trying to protect its economy, which heavily relies on its position as the US's largest trading partner."

Mexico plans to raise tariffs on car imports from China and other Asian countries from 20% to 50% to protect tens of thousands of manufacturing and industry jobs. The measure also seeks to address US pressure over Chinese goods potentially entering the United States via Mexico. China firmly rejects actions framed as coercion, warns of countermeasures, and says it will protect its legitimate rights and interests. China's commerce ministry urged Mexico to be extremely cautious. The Mexican tariff proposal still requires approval by Congress, where the government holds a significant majority.

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