Logistics | María Gamba | September 10, 2025
The Mexican government surprised the international community by announcing the imposition of tariffs of up to 50% on automobiles imported from China and other countries with which it does not have free trade agreements. The measure, considered the highest allowed under WTO rules, will also affect products such as steel, motorcycles, and textiles, with tariff increases ranging between 10% and 35%.
The official objective is clear: to protect national industry, safeguard jobs, and reduce dependence on cheap imports that jeopardize local competitiveness. However, this decision opens a broad debate about its effects on the supply chain, international trade, and, above all, Mexico's role within the USMCA and its relationship with the United States.
A Strategic Move with Multiple Interpretations
The Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, emphasized that the tariff policy is part of the budgetary strategy for 2026, which contemplates the application of taxes to more than 1,400 products from countries without trade agreements with Mexico.
This change responds not only to internal pressures but also to the complex global geopolitical context, marked by:
The trade tension between the United States and China, which impacts USMCA partners.
The need to reduce Mexico's trade deficit.
The boost to nearshoring, which seeks to bring production closer to consumer markets.
By tightening its trade policy, Mexico sends a clear signal: the priority is to strengthen its industry and align with its main strategic partners, without neglecting market diversification.
Impact on Logistics and the Supply Chain
The measure will have an immediate effect on the country's logistics dynamics. Among the main impacts are:
Reconfiguration of international trade routes: operators will have to adjust their import plans and explore new suppliers in regions with existing trade agreements.
Increase in logistics costs: sectors such as automotive, textile, and materials will face higher expenses in transportation, customs, and warehousing.
Opportunity for nearshoring: domestic and foreign manufacturers could accelerate investments in Mexico, which will increase the demand for agile and reliable logistics solutions.
Greater pressure on ports and customs: the redesign of trade flows will require more efficiency in national logistics infrastructure.
The Role of Control Terrestre in this New Scenario
In such a changing environment, logistics becomes the decisive factor for companies to adapt to new costs and trade routes.
At Control Terrestre (CT), we support companies facing these challenges, offering freight forwarding services that guarantee flexibility, speed, and competitive costs. Our commitment is to connect your business with international markets safely and strategically, even in scenarios where the rules of the game change from one day to the next.
Call to Action
If your company imports or exports and needs to adapt to this new tariff policy, at Control Terrestre we have the solutions you need. We help you redesign your logistics to minimize risks, optimize costs, and take advantage of the opportunities of nearshoring.
👉 Contact us today and make Control Terrestre your strategic ally in international trade.
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