A spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce answered reporters' questions about Mexico's plans to increase import tariff rates for relevant trading partners.
A reporter asked: It is reported that Mexico plans to increase the import tariff rate of about 1,400 tax products including automobiles, toys, steel, textiles and plastic products to 10% to 50% for countries including China that have not signed a free trade agreement with Mexico. At the same time, some analysts believe that Mexico's tax withdrawal measures are in line with the United States' long-standing attempt to contain China, can serve the future trade negotiations between Mexico and North American partners, and in line with the "Mexico Plan" strategy to strengthen domestic production and consumption. What is the comment of the Ministry of Commerce on this?
A: We have noticed relevant reports and will closely monitor the trends of the Mexican tax withdrawal and conduct a careful assessment of the relevant final measures. At the moment when the US abuse of tariffs has aroused widespread global opposition, all countries should strengthen communication and coordination, jointly safeguard free trade and multilateralism, and must not sacrifice the interests of third parties because of coercion by others. Against this background, any unilateral tax increase action by Mexican side, even within the framework of the World Trade Rules, will be considered as appeasement and compromise on unilateral bullying. Once the relevant measures are implemented, it will not only harm the interests of relevant trading partners, including China, but will also seriously affect the certainty of the business environment in Mexico and reduce the confidence of enterprises in Mexico investment. China and Mexico are important economic and trade partners. We do not want to see the economic and trade cooperation between the two sides be affected. We hope that Mexico will be cautious and think twice before taking action.
China has always advocated that all parties resolve economic and trade differences through equal dialogue and consultation, oppose any form of unilateralism, protectionism and discriminatory exclusive measures, and firmly oppose all kinds of practices that harm China's interests. China will take necessary measures based on actual conditions and resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.
