India Warns of Countermeasures After Mexico Hikes Tariffs on Select Imports

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Dec 14, 2025: India has cautioned that it may take “appropriate measures” to protect its exporters after Mexico approved a 50 per cent hike in tariffs on select products, an official said on Saturday.

“India reserves the right to take appropriate measures to safeguard the interests of Indian exporters, while continuing to pursue a solution through constructive dialogue,” the official said.

According to PTI, India had engaged Mexico during the initial tabling of the bill. The Department of Commerce is currently in talks with Mexico’s Ministry of Economy to explore mutually beneficial solutions in line with global trade rules.

A high-level meeting between Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and Mexico’s Vice Minister of Economy Luis Rosendo has already been held, with follow-up discussions expected.

The government said unilateral increases in most favoured nation (MFN) tariffs without prior consultations go against the spirit of cooperative economic engagement and the principles of predictability and transparency of the multilateral trading system.

The new tariffs, aimed at protecting Mexico’s domestic industry, are scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026.

India reiterated that it values its partnership with Mexico and is ready to work towards a stable and balanced trade environment benefiting businesses and consumers in both countries.

Mexico has imposed higher duties on a wide range of goods, including auto parts, light vehicles, clothing, plastics, steel, household appliances, toys, textiles, furniture, footwear, leather goods, paper and cardboard, motorcycles, aluminium, trailers, glass, soaps, perfumes and cosmetics.

The tariff hike will affect countries without a trade agreement with Mexico, including India, South Korea, China, Thailand and Indonesia.

Meanwhile, India and Mexico are exploring the possibility of launching negotiations for a free trade agreement, which experts say could help shield Indian companies from the impact of the new tariffs.