TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Mexico’s planned tariff hikes on certain imports are expected to have minimal impact on Taiwan, Economic Minister Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) said Tuesday.

In September, Mexico announced plans to raise tariffs on imports from countries without a free trade agreement, with rates increasing between 5% and 45%, per CNA. The measures are set to take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Kung said most of the goods targeted by the tariff increases do not involve Taiwanese exports, and Taiwan’s main ICT products remain duty-free under the World Trade Organization’s Information Technology Agreement. He added that taxing ICT goods would hurt Mexico’s own server assembly industry.

Kung explained that Taiwan’s main export items remain largely protected. He noted that some automotive components may be affected due to US pressure on Mexico to prevent Chinese transshipment, but said these impacts are limited.

He also said that Taiwan’s plans to establish a science park in Mexico should not be affected by the new tariff measures.

Regarding US tariffs, Kung said Taiwan’s competitiveness in sectors affected by Section 232 gives it leverage in negotiations. He noted Taiwan’s role in global ICT and chip supply chains, making favorable treatment likely.