As of January 1, 2025, Mexico is poised to implement new customs regulations that will significantly impact e-commerce imports, particularly from countries lacking a trade agreement with Mexico. The Mexican tax authority, SAT, has announced that goods shipped via postal services from these nations will be subject to a 19% tax.
This new regulation affects prominent online retailers, including Shein and Temu, both of which operate out of China—a nation with no existing trade agreement with Mexico. The South China Morning Post reports that this initiative aims to foster fair competition in the e-commerce sector while curbing tax evasion. Conversely, products imported from Canada and the United States, which are covered under the USMCA trade agreement, will incur a reduced tax rate of 17% for items valued between $50 and $117.
In conjunction with these new tariffs, Mexico has also instituted stricter import regulations affecting textiles and household goods, which took effect on December 19, 2024. Under a decree signed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, tariffs of up to 35% on items such as dresses, blankets, and curtains will be imposed. The government’s objective with these measures is to bolster domestic manufacturing and safeguard jobs within the industry.
However, experts highlight that these new tariffs may have broader implications. There are concerns regarding potential disruptions to the IMMEX program, which allows companies to import goods duty-free for processing and subsequent export to the United States.
Additionally, e-commerce platforms like Shein and Temu, which compete against major players such as Amazon and Walmart in the U.S. market, could face diminished competitive edges as a result of these regulatory changes.
