Mexico’s Congress on Wednesday approved most of the tariff hikes proposed by the government on more than 1,400 products imported from China and other countries without free trade agreements.

The Senate passed the measure Wednesday evening after the lower house approved it earlier in the day. President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Morena party, which holds majorities in both chambers, backed the plan. The Senate vote was 76 in favor, five against and 35 abstentions. Sheinbaum has argued the tariffs are needed to boost domestic production.

Analysts, however, say the move is also aimed at the United States, Mexico’s top trading partner. The Sheinbaum administration is seeking relief from Trump-era tariffs on Mexican exports and has faced accusations from Washington that China is using Mexico as a backdoor into the U.S. market.

Starting in January, tariff increases of up to 50% will apply to textiles, footwear, appliances, cars, auto parts and other goods.

China will be hit hardest. Mexico imported USD130 billion in goods from China in 2024, making it Mexico’s second-largest source of foreign products after the United States. Beijing criticized the proposed tariff hikes when they were unveiled in September.