China’s top trade negotiator Li Chenggang met Mexico’s Deputy Economy Minister Vidal Llerenas in Beijing on Monday. The talks followed Mexico’s recent steep tariffs on Chinese imports, raising tensions. China warned it could take action to protect its interests.
The Commerce Ministry said the two sides held in-depth exchanges on bilateral trade relations and other economic issues. Both countries discussed measures to maintain cooperation despite the new tariffs. Analysts noted this is the first face-to-face meeting since December’s tariff announcement.
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Mexico imposed tariffs up to 35% on thousands of goods, including automobiles, textiles, plastics, and steel. The move is seen as an attempt to appease US trade concerns under President Trump. Mexican officials said the tariffs aim to boost domestic production and reduce trade imbalances.
China is Mexico’s second-largest trading partner after the United States, so the tariffs are expected to hit Chinese exports hard. Commerce Ministry officials reiterated warnings and stressed they would safeguard China’s rights if needed. No formal countermeasures have yet been announced.
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Separately, Chinese automaker BYD is considering a factory in Mexico, though approval may be delayed over tech transfer concerns. The talks come as the US, Mexico, and Canada prepare to review their free trade pact by July. Tighter rules could make it harder for China to use Mexico as a US export base.