Mexico Toughens the Game: Taxes Rise for Platforms Like Shein and Temu and Foreign Parcel Services

Starting August 15, 2025, Mexico will apply an important fiscal change that will directly affect cross-border e-commerce. The so-called global minimum tax, currently at 19%, will increase to a substantial 33.5% for Chinese platforms like Shein and Temu. But the adjustment is not limited to Asian companies. From that same date, a 19% rate will also begin to be charged on all parcel imports that exceed $117, even if they come from countries with which Mexico has trade agreements, such as the United States and Canada. This fiscal adjustment was made official in the resolution of modifications to the General Rules of Foreign Trade, published on July 28 in the Official Gazette of the Federation by the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP). What motivated this decision? The Mexican government detected a pattern of tax evasion through the scheme known as "de minimis," which exempted packages valued at less than $50 from tax payments. This measure originally sought to facilitate low-value cross-border trade but was exploited by various foreign platforms, mainly Chinese, to declare higher-value products as if they cost less than $50 and thus avoid paying taxes. To correct this situation, since January 1, 2025, a 19% tax began to be applied to all shipments under $50 from countries without trade agreements with Mexico. The only exempt ones were the United States and Canada, protected by the Treaty between Mexico, the United States, and Canada (T-MEC). Now, the Mexican government decided to raise that tax to 33.5% to reinforce fiscal control. This is how the new rates for parcel shipments look. Starting August 15, 2025, merchandise shipments to Mexico through parcel services will be subject to the following rates: Packages from countries without trade agreements (like China): Value less than $50: 33.5%, Value greater than $50: 33.5%. Packages from the United States or Canada: Value less than $50: exempt, Value between $50 and $117: 17%, Value greater than $117: 19%. This means that if you buy a $25 garment on Shein, you'll pay 33.5% in taxes. And if you acquire a $130 device on Amazon United States, you'll have to pay a 19% tax. A tense moment in international trade. This change coincides with new friction between Mexico and the United States. Washington announced the imposition of 30% tariffs on certain Mexican exports, with an effective date scheduled for August 1. Although Mexico has exhausted its diplomatic tools to avoid this measure, so far, the final decision rests with President Trump. Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard declared that Mexico has already done everything possible in negotiations and that now they can only wait for the U.S. administration's decision. This environment of tensions and cross-border tariff measures creates a more uncertain scenario for regional trade, forcing logistics companies to be better prepared than ever. Direct impact on logistics and e-commerce. These fiscal changes not only impact large foreign platforms but also modify the operational dynamics of multiple actors in the logistics chain. 1. Mexican consumers: Many consumers will see an increase in the final costs of their online purchases. Although some platforms may absorb part of the taxes, most will transfer that charge directly to the buyer. 2. Parcel and courier companies: These companies will face an increase in administrative burden, with greater documentation, classification, and customs validation requirements. This translates into longer delivery times and more complex operations. 3. Local merchants and manufacturers: The measure may benefit national trade by diminishing the competitive advantage of foreign platforms that previously avoided paying taxes. However, to take advantage of this opportunity, local businesses will need to improve their logistics capacity and value proposition. 4. International logistics chains: With more restrictions, greater tax burden, and geopolitical risks, supply chains become more vulnerable. In this new scenario, operational efficiency and adaptation capacity will be key to sustaining competitiveness. Opportunity or barrier? From a strategic perspective, this fiscal adjustment seeks to level the playing field, preventing certain platforms from competing under unequal conditions. However, it also represents an additional barrier for those who depend on foreign trade, especially for small and medium enterprises that import supplies or finished products. On the other hand, it could accelerate trade regionalization, encouraging more foreign companies to establish distribution centers in Mexico to avoid direct import taxes. How should logistics companies prepare? Faced with this new environment, logistics companies must redouble efforts in the following points: Thoroughly know current fiscal legislation. Train personnel in customs and foreign trade matters. Automate processes to minimize errors in merchandise classification. Advise clients about new costs and delivery times. Diversify routes and consolidate loads to optimize costs. At Control Terrestre we are ready. At Control Terrestre we understand that every adjustment in the fiscal environment implies a logistics challenge that cannot be taken lightly. Our team is prepared to help you comply with the new regulations, optimizing your operations without losing time or money. We know that well-managed logistics is not a luxury, it's a strategic necessity. And in times of uncertainty, having an expert ally can make the difference between advancing or stagnating. If you import merchandise, work with global platforms, or simply want to keep your supply chain in order, approach us. We help you anticipate changes. Control Terrestre. Intelligent logistics for fairer trade.