Background and Context
In response to anti-dumping measures imposed by Mexico in 2024 and 2025, China has reportedly found a way to circumvent these tariffs by using Vietnam as an intermediary for lower-tariff footwear exports. This situation stems from Vietnam’s preferential access to the Mexican market, thanks to its membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Mexico’s Tariff Policies
Since 2024, Mexico has implemented compensatory quotas on various products from countries without free trade agreements. These include textiles, apparel, and footwear. In 2026, the Mexican Congress plans to raise tariffs on products classified under 1,463 tariff items from countries without trade agreements. Tariffs range between 5% and 50%, affecting textiles, apparel (706 tariff items), and footwear (49 tariff items) according to reforms approved to the General Customs Duties Law (LGIE).
Vietnam’s Role and Relevance
Vietnam is a significant producer for international brands like Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Asics, and Aldo. Known for manufacturing sportswear, casual footwear, and sandals, Vietnam benefits from a lower tariff than other countries, with an annual decrease. The average tariff ranges between 10% and 14%, but there’s concern it may drop to 3%.
Industry Reactions and Concerns
Juan Carlos Cashat Usabiaga, president of the Guanajuato Footwear Industry Chamber (CICEG), supports the tariff reform and compensatory quotas, which help combat product undervaluation. However, he is worried about Vietnam’s preferential access to the Mexican market through the CPTPP.
Import Trends
- Between September 2024 and September 2025, footwear imports from China dropped by 5.241 million pairs.
- Meanwhile, footwear imports from Vietnam increased by 67%, equivalent to 125,000 pairs.
- From January to October 2025, Mexican footwear imports from China fell 29.5% to $546 million.
- Conversely, Vietnamese footwear imports surged 47% to a record $725 million.
Industry’s Perspective on Tariff Reforms
The footwear industry appreciates the tariff reforms, which strengthen Mexico’s export regulatory framework and provide more effective tools to safeguard the national industry. These adjustments reflect an active industrial policy aligned with the country’s needs, aiming to consolidate strategic production chains, boost national productive integration, and ensure fair competition conditions.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the anti-dumping measures imposed by Mexico? Mexico implemented compensatory quotas on various products from countries without free trade agreements since 2024. Tariffs range between 5% and 50%, affecting textiles, apparel, and footwear.
- Why is Vietnam a concern for the Mexican footwear industry? Vietnam’s lower tariff and annual decrease, along with its preferential access to the Mexican market through the CPTPP, pose a threat to the Mexican footwear industry.
- What are the tariff reforms approved by Mexico? The Mexican Congress recently approved tariff reforms on various items under the LGIE, aiming to strengthen Mexico’s export regulatory framework and protect its national industry.
