India has cautioned that it may take “appropriate measures” to protect the interests of its exporters after Mexico approved a sweeping 50 per cent tariff on imports of select products from countries that do not have a trade agreement with it, including India.
A government official, quoted by news agency PTI, said New Delhi is closely engaging with Mexico to resolve the issue through dialogue, even as it keeps its options open. “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.
India had raised its concerns with Mexico during the initial tabling of the bill, the official added. A high-level meeting has already taken place between Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal and Mexico’s Vice Minister of Economy, Luis Rosendo, with further discussions expected.
“The Department of Commerce is engaged with Mexico’s Ministry of Economy to explore mutually beneficial solutions which align with global trade rules,” the official said, underlining that India values its partnership with Mexico and remains committed to a stable and balanced trade relationship that benefits businesses and consumers in both countries.
Mexico has imposed the steep import duties on a wide range of products, including light vehicles, auto parts, clothing, plastics, steel, household appliances, toys, textiles, furniture, footwear, leather goods, paper and cardboard, motorcycles, aluminium products, trailers, glass, soaps, perfumes and cosmetics.
The new tariffs will impact countries that currently do not have a trade agreement with Mexico, such as India, South Korea, China, Thailand and Indonesia. The levies are scheduled to come into effect from January 1, 2026, raising concerns among exporters over potential disruptions to trade flows and market access.