Mexico has unveiled a comprehensive new tariff regime targeting e-commerce platforms, particularly Asian online retailers like Shein and Temu, marking a significant shift in the country's import regulations. The Mexican tax authority SAT announced a 19% duty on goods entering from countries without international trade treaties, directly impacting Chinese-based e-commerce giants. These regulations, effective January 1, 2025, aim to combat tax evasion and protect domestic industries from unfair competition. The move comes as part of a broader strategy by President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration to strengthen Mexico's economic defenses and support local manufacturers.

The new tariff structure introduces nuanced taxation levels based on import origins and values. Goods from the United States and Canada, which are part of the USMCA trade agreement, will face a 17% duty for shipments valued between $50 and $117. For other countries with international treaties, a 19% duty will apply to goods exceeding $1 in value. Previously, many low-value imports were exempt from duties, creating loopholes that allowed massive volumes of inexpensive products to enter the Mexican market without proper taxation. Carlos Barbosa from ePost Global highlighted that many shippers have been exploiting the existing system, particularly with low-value items from China.

Mexico's e-commerce sector, the second-largest in Latin America, is projected to reach $63 billion by 2025, making these regulatory changes particularly significant. The new regulations will require detailed documentation for imported items, including comprehensive product descriptions, quantities, qualities, and recipient tax identification numbers. E-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu, which have gained substantial market share by offering low-cost products, will be most affected by these changes. The Mexican government's approach reflects a strategic effort to level the playing field for domestic retailers and protect local manufacturing jobs, which have been under pressure from international competition.

The tariff implementation is part of a broader set of protective measures announced by the Mexican government. A previous decree on December 19 increased import duties to as much as 35% on various product categories, including clothing, home goods, and textiles. These regulations could potentially disrupt the IMMEX program, which allows foreign companies to import goods tax-free for manufacturing or assembly. Industry experts suggest that these measures might force e-commerce companies to reconsider their supply chain strategies, potentially relocating fulfillment operations or adjusting pricing models. The timing of these regulations is also notable, coming ahead of potential trade policy shifts with the anticipated inauguration of a new U.S. president, signaling Mexico's proactive approach to managing international trade dynamics.