Background on the Situation
In a surprise move last Monday, the Mexican government announced an increase in the minimum global tax rate for imports from countries without a trade agreement with Mexico. This change aims to boost revenue collection through higher taxes on imports from e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu.
Revenue Growth in 2025
The Mexican government’s import tax revenue has seen a significant rise in 2025, with June figures showing an annual real growth of 33% at 81.775 billion pesos, according to data from the Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público (SHCP).
Previous Tax Adjustments
In late 2024, the government modified foreign trade rules to start collecting a minimum global tax rate of 19% on all imports sent via courier or parcel services from countries without a trade agreement with Mexico.
New Tax Rate Increase
On the previous Monday, the Secretaría de Hacienda published new foreign trade rule changes to raise the minimum global tax rate from 19% to 33.5% starting August 15.
Expert Analysis
Dr. Gloria Rocío Estrada, President of the Technical Commission on Foreign Trade of the College of Public Accountants of Mexico, explained that while the increased import tax revenue is partly due to the implementation of the minimum global tax rate of 19%, other factors are also at play.
- Enhanced Customs Oversight: Increased scrutiny and care at Mexican customs have led to more efficient import monitoring, resulting in higher tax revenue.
- Previous Tax Rate Context: Before the trade rules were modified, a minimum global tax rate of 17% was already being charged on imports from countries without trade agreements.
- Tax Rate Increase Objectives: The unexpected rise in the minimum global tax rate serves three main goals of the federal government.
- Alignment with the US: Mexico is aligning with the United States’ policy of tightening trade measures against Chinese imports and promoting regional trade in North America.
- Shifting Consumer Behavior: The tax increase is expected to encourage consumers to purchase from domestic markets instead of platforms like Shein and Temu.
- Combating Tax Evasion: The government aims to address abuses in purchases through platforms like Shein and Temu, ensuring proper tax payments.
