Green Light for New Tariff Law: Senate Approves, Executive Awaits Imminent Implementation

Mexico’s trade shield is ready. Following an intense legislative session, the Senate of the Republic approved on the evening of Wednesday, December 10, with 76 votes in favor, the draft decree reforming the Law on General Import and Export Taxes, better known as the Tariff Law. With no reservations in

, the bill was forwarded directly to the Federal Executive, specifically to President Claudia Sheinbaum. This means that the entry into force of the new Tariff Law is imminent: it will occur the day after its publication in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) or on the specific date marked by its transitory articles once promulgated.

What Changes and Whom Does it Protect?

The central objective of the reform is* “sovereign reindustrialization.” *The Mexican government seeks to curb unfair trade practices (dumping) from countries with which Mexico does not have free trade agreements —a clear allusion to Asian economies— to protect domestic industry.

The final version of the document includes key modifications previously made in the Chamber of Deputies, promoted by Ricardo Monreal Ávila, president of the Political Coordination Board (JUCOPO). These modifications focused on eight specific tariff classifications to protect the textile industry, adjusting quotas for fabrics, prints, and cotton blends.

Additionally, a vital transitory article was added: the Ministry of Economy will have the authority to implement legal mechanisms to ensure the supply of inputs if the new tariffs were to affect the supply chain.

Protectionism or Illusion?

The approval was not without political friction. While the ruling bloc (Morena, PVEM, PT) celebrated the measure as a defense of sovereignty, the opposition warned of economic risks.

For instance, federal legislators such as Emmanuel Reyes (Morena) and Waldo Fernández (PVEM) argued that the law corrects «serious deviations» and market distortions, leveling the playing field for Mexican producers against unfair competitors.

In contrast, PAN Senator Miguel Márquez warned that «tariffs alone are temporary» and do not substitute for a real industrial policy. For her part, Cristina Ruíz (PRI) described the measure as an «illusion» at a time of economic stagnation, and Alejandra Barrales (MC) warned about the geopolitical consequences of «defining Mexico’s alignment» in the global trade dispute.

With the document now on President Claudia Sheinbaum’s desk, publication in the DOF is expected to occur within hours or days, activating the new tariffs that seek to reconfigure Mexico’s foreign trade leading up to 2026.