AsianFin -- Mexico’s government on Tuesday submitted a budget proposal that would impose new import taxes on more than 1,400 products — many sourced from Asian nations — in a bid to strengthen national production just as the United States presses its North American trade partners to present a united front against China.

Treasury Secretary Édgar Amador, presenting the proposed 2026 budget, did not explicitly name China but confirmed that the measures would apply to “countries with which we do not have a commercial treaty.” He emphasized that the tariffs would comply with World Trade Organization rules and said the government would remain mindful of potential impacts on domestic production and consumer prices.

Amador also acknowledged that the move is unfolding “within the discussion and future commercial conversations with our North American partners,” but insisted the policy’s primary aim is to bolster domestic industry, encourage local consumption, and reduce Mexico’s trade deficits.

The tariff plan comes against the backdrop of increasingly strained trade talks with the Trump administration. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to raise tariffs — already set at 25% earlier this year on some goods not covered by the Mexico-Canada free trade agreement — if Mexico does not align more closely with Washington’s trade stance.