Introduction
Under the administration of President Donald Trump, the United States is set to impose new tariffs on Mexican appliance imports starting June 23. This move will double existing tariffs from 25% to 50%, affecting a broader range of products, including washing machines, dishwashers, stoves, and ovens. Mexico is the second-largest exporter of appliances to the U.S., following China.
Background on Current Trade Relations
In 2018, Mexico exported home appliances to the U.S. worth $9,462 million, just behind China’s $18,547 million. Mexico’s appliance exports consist of white goods (refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers) valued at $7,857 million and smaller electrical appliances ($1,605 million).
New Tariffs and Their Scope
The new tariffs, announced by the U.S. Department of Commerce on a Thursday, will apply to additional products derived from steel, including: fridge-freezer combinations; dryers; washing machines; dishwashers; vertical and horizontal refrigerators; cookstoves, stoves, and ovens; food waste shredders; and welded wire mesh.
Global Import Trends
In 2024, the U.S. imported electric home appliances from around the world totaling $41,887 million, a 6.3% increase from 2023. Other significant suppliers included South Korea ($3,301 million), Thailand ($2,003 million), Vietnam ($1,807 million), and Canada ($992 million).
Recent Mexican Export Trends
From January to April 2025, Mexico exported these appliances to the U.S. for $3,014 million, a slight annual decrease of 0.3%.
Mexico’s Negotiation Efforts
Last week, Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, urged U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to eliminate tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Mexico. Ebrard argued that the U.S. has a trade surplus in these goods with Mexico, and the tariff measure negatively impacts employment in both countries due to their interconnected productive relationships.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue? The Trump administration plans to double tariffs on Mexican appliance imports from 25% to 50%, affecting a broader range of products.
- Why is Mexico affected? Mexico is the second-largest exporter of appliances to the U.S., following China.
- Which products will be impacted? The new tariffs will apply to fridge-freezer combinations, dryers, washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, cookstoves, food waste shredders, and welded wire mesh.
- How have recent trade trends been? In 2024, the U.S. imported $41,887 million worth of electric home appliances, with Mexico exporting $9,462 million and smaller electrical appliances valued at $1,605 million.
- What is Mexico’s stance? Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, has requested the elimination of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Mexico, citing trade surpluses and interconnected productive relationships with the U.S.
