Overview of New Tariff Increases
As of January 1, 2026, certain products from countries with which Mexico lacks free trade agreements, primarily Asian nations and especially China, will experience tariff increases of up to 50%. Here’s a list of these products:
- Office supplies and school items
- Life jackets and belts
- Human-representing dolls and toys with electric or electronic mechanisms
- Human-representing dolls and toys under 30 cm in length, with or without electronic/electric mechanisms
- Therapeutic-educational toys designed for correcting motor skill deficiencies or slow learning in special education institutions
- Stuffed animal toys and musical or toy instruments
- Inflatable toys, including plastic-only ball toys
- Clothing, accessories (accessories), footwear, hats, and other headwear for human-representing dolls and toys
- Wheeled toys designed for children’s operation; doll and toy cars, strollers
35% Increases:
- Lunch boxes; water bottles
- Compression stockings, pantyhose, leotards, and socks
- Brassieres (bras)
- Garter belts (bra-like garters) and brassiere girdles
- Brassiere-style girdles
- Cleaning rags, towels, and similar cleaning items
- Air mattresses
- Designed for tennis, basketball, gymnastics, training, walking, exercise, and similar physical activities
- Drawing or tracing tables (easels), unfurnished
- Diapers and similar textile items
Towards the T-MEC
Under President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration, the measure aims to bolster domestic production and address trade imbalances. The government has stated that this action is “not targeted at any specific country.”
However, analysts and the private sector argue that the primary goals are to appease the U.S. government ahead of the upcoming review of the North American trade agreement (T-MEC) and secure an additional $3,760 million in government revenue for the upcoming year while Mexico continues to reduce its fiscal deficit.
Key Questions and Answers
- What products will face increased tariffs? Products from countries without trade agreements with Mexico, primarily Asian nations like China. These include office supplies, school items, life jackets, human-representing dolls, therapeutic toys, inflatable toys, lunch boxes, air mattresses, diapers, and more.
- Why are these tariffs being implemented? The Mexican government claims it aims to strengthen domestic production and address trade imbalances. Critics suggest the real intentions are to appease the U.S. before T-MEC negotiations and boost government revenue.
- What are the specific tariff increase percentages? Some products will see a 30% increase, while others face a 35% tariff hike.
