The U.S. Trade Representative announced a proposed 10% tariff on imports from Mexico and roughly a dozen other economies (including Canada, the European Union, Argentina and Britain) as part of a forced‑labor enforcement investigation that alleges 60 countries have failed to prevent such imports.
An additional 12.5% duty is proposed for another 45 economies.
Mexico’s Economy Ministry clarified that about 85% of Mexico’s exports to the United States meet USMCA rules of origin and therefore will be exempt from the 10% tariff.
Goods already covered by Section 232 orders – specifically automobiles, steel and aluminum – are also excluded from the proposed measures.
The tariffs will not take effect immediately; they are subject to a 45‑day consultation process between the United States and the affected economies.
