Sat Dec 13 09:47:55 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and rewritten news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
Mexico has decided to impose tariffs, ranging from 5% to 50%, on goods from countries without free trade agreements, including India, China, South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia, effective January 1, 2026. India is engaging with Mexico to seek mutually beneficial solutions and reserves the right to take appropriate measures to protect its exporters. The move, impacting 1,463 tariff lines, aims to boost Mexican manufacturing and reduce trade imbalances, reportedly under pressure from the US to align with policies targeting China. India considers the decision concerning, especially for sectors like automobiles, machinery, chemicals, and textiles. High-level meetings between Indian and Mexican officials have already taken place, with further technical discussions anticipated. Both countries are also working towards finalizing terms for a free trade agreement, which could mitigate the impact of the tariffs.
News Article:
India Engages Mexico Over New Import Tariffs, Seeks Fair Trade Environment
NEW DELHI, December 13, 2025 – India is in active discussions with Mexico following the South American nation’s decision to unilaterally increase tariffs on goods from countries without free trade agreements. The tariffs, ranging from 5% to 50%, are slated to take effect on January 1, 2026, and will affect a wide range of products (1,463 tariff lines) from India, China, South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia.
An official stated that India is seeking mutually beneficial solutions with Mexico to protect the interests of Indian exporters while reserving the right to take appropriate measures. The Embassy of India in Mexico had raised concerns with the Ministry of Economy as early as September 30, 2025.
The new tariffs are reportedly aimed at boosting Mexican manufacturing and reducing trade imbalances, with some suggesting the move is influenced by pressure from the United States to align with trade policies targeting China and prevent trans-shipments.
Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) Director General Ajay Sahai expressed concern, stating that the tariffs would erode competitiveness, particularly in sectors like automobiles, machinery, chemicals, and textiles. According to industry body Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA), domestic auto component manufacturers will face enhanced cost pressures.
Efforts are underway to finalize Terms of Reference (ToR) for a potential free trade agreement between India and Mexico, which would insulate Indian companies from these tariffs. High-level meetings between Indian Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and Mexico’s Vice Minister of Economy Luis Rosendo have already occurred, with follow-up technical meetings expected.
India’s exports to Mexico in 2024-25 were $5.75 billion, while imports were $2.9 billion. The government is currently examining the implications of Mexico’s tariff revisions and remains engaged with stakeholders.
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