India has strongly opposed Mexico’s decision to rapidly increase import tariffs on goods from countries without free trade agreements. The government warned that it might take steps to protect its exporters while still attempting to resolve the issue diplomatically to have the decision reversed.
50% tariff! India engaged with Mexico over 'unilateral' hike, FTA talks soon#Tariff #Mexico https://t.co/rgj2QZ1ePE
— ET NOW (@ETNOWlive) December 14, 2025
The Indian government pointed out that this one-sided tariff jump, which could hit duties as high as 50% on some products, doesn’t fit with the friendly economic ties between the two countries or the clear rules of the global trading system. A source said, “We get that Mexico’s reason for this isn’t about India, but we think raising MFN tariffs like this without talking first goes against our spirit of working together.”
These tariff changes cover 1,463 product categories and will hit several Asian countries, including India, China, South Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia. Most items will face about 35% duties, but rates could go from 5% to 50%. Mexico’s Ministry of Economy surprised everyone by resubmitting the tariff plan on 3rd December, 2025. They sped up the process after putting it off to August 2026 because of worries from trading partners and Mexican business groups.
Mexico says it’s doing this to boost local production and fix trade imbalances. But experts think it’s connected to their USMCA review talks with the United States, where America is pushing to match tariffs against China and stop Chinese goods from sneaking into the US market through Mexico.
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal already talked at a high level with Mexico’s Vice Minister of Economy, Luis Rosendo, and more meetings are coming up soon. The Indian Embassy in Mexico first flagged concerns on 30th September, 2025, asking for special breaks to protect Indian exports.
India’s Department of Commerce is looking closely at how these changes will affect things while talking to Mexican officials about fair fixes that follow global trade rules. The source said the real hit to Indian exports depends on how much Mexican supply chains need Indian goods and if Indian firms can get exemptions or pass the extra costs to buyers in Mexico. The full list of affected items isn’t out yet.
India made clear it can take the right steps to protect its exporters’ interests while keeping up positive talks. Even with the issue, India stressed it values its partnership with Mexico and wants to build a steady, fair trade setup that helps businesses and people in both countries.
