Analysts say plan to raise tariffs on Chinese car imports is designed to placate Donald Trump and ward off US tariffs against Mexico
China’s government has vowed to “firmly protect” its interests against Mexico’s plan to increase tariffs on Chinese cars to 50%, a move Beijing said was made “under coercion to constrain China”.
On Wednesday Mexico said it intended to raise tariffs on car imports from China and other Asian countries from 20% to 50%, the maximum level allowed, in order to protect tens of thousands of manufacturing and industry jobs. However analysts suggested it was also designed to placate Donald Trump, who has been pressuring Mexico not to act as a “back door” for Chinese goods into the US.
On Thursday, China’s ministry of foreign affairs said Beijing “firmly rejects moves that are taken under coercion to constrain China or undermine China’s legitimate rights and interests under any pretext”.
“We will firmly protect our rights and interests in light of the developments of the situation,” foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a regular briefing.
