Announcement No. 53 of 2025 from the Ministry of Commerce: Announcement of Trade and Investment Barrier Investigation Regarding Mexico’s Relevant China-Related Restrictive Measures

In accordance with the relevant provisions of the Foreign Trade Law of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Commerce’s Rules for Foreign Trade Barrier Investigations, and to maintain foreign trade order, the Ministry of Commerce may initiate investigations into trade and investment barriers of relevant countries and regions on its own initiative.

Preliminary evidence and information obtained by the Ministry of Commerce indicate that, according to a proposal to adjust multiple import tariffs published in Mexico’s Congressional Gazette on September 9, 2025, the Mexican government plans to increase import tariff rates on products from non-free trade partners, including China. This measure will severely harm the trade and investment interests of Chinese enterprises.

Pursuant to Articles 36 and 37 of the Foreign Trade Law of the People’s Republic of China, and Articles 12 and 35 of the Rules for Foreign Trade Barrier Investigations, the Ministry of Commerce has decided to initiate a trade and investment barrier investigation into Mexico’s relevant China-related restrictive measures, effective September 25, 2025. The relevant matters are announced as follows:

I. Measures Under Investigation and Products Involved

The measures under investigation in this case are: the relevant measures by which the Mexican government plans to increase import tariff rates on products from non-free trade partners, including China. Specifically, this involves product categories such as automobiles and parts, textiles, apparel, plastics, steel, home appliances, aluminum, toys, furniture, footwear, leather goods, paper and paperboard, motorcycles, and glass. Furthermore, other trade and investment restrictive measures involving China taken by Mexico in recent years also fall within the scope of this investigation.

II. Investigation Procedures

According to the Rules for Foreign Trade Barrier Investigations, the Ministry of Commerce may use methods such as questionnaires, hearings, and on-site investigations to gather information from interested parties and conduct the investigation.

III. Investigation Period

This case shall be concluded within 6 months from the date of the announcement of the decision to initiate the investigation. Under special circumstances, this period may be extended, but the extension shall not exceed 3 months.

IV. Access to Public Information

Interested parties may download public information related to this case from the sub-website of the Bureau of Trade Remedy Investigations on the Ministry of Commerce website, or visit the Ministry of Commerce Trade Remedy Public Information Reading Room to search, read, transcribe, and copy the public information.

V. Comments on the Initiation of Investigation

Interested parties wishing to submit comments on issues related to the initiation of the investigation should submit their written opinions to the Bureau of Trade Remedy Investigations of the Ministry of Commerce within 20 days from the date of this announcement.

VI. Submission and Handling of Information

Interested parties submitting comments, questionnaires, etc., during the investigation process should submit the electronic version through the “Trade Remedy Investigation Information Platform” and, as required by the Ministry of Commerce, simultaneously submit a written version. The content of the electronic and written versions must be identical, and the format should be consistent.

If an interested party believes that serious adverse effects would occur if the information it provides were disclosed, it may apply to the Ministry of Commerce for treatment as confidential information, stating the reasons. If the Ministry of Commerce approves the request, the interested party applying for confidentiality must simultaneously provide a non-confidential summary of the confidential information. The non-confidential summary must contain sufficient meaningful information to allow other interested parties to reasonably understand the confidential information. If a non-confidential summary cannot be provided, the reasons must be stated. If the information submitted by an interested party does not indicate that it requires confidentiality, the Ministry of Commerce will treat that information as public.

VII. Ministry of Commerce Contact Address

Address: No. 2 Dong Chang’an Avenue, Beijing

Postal Code: 100731

Bureau of Trade Remedy Investigations, Ministry of Commerce

Tel: 0086-10-65198155, 65198070

Fax: 0086-10-65198172

Relevant Website: Sub-website of the Bureau of Trade Remedy Investigations on the Ministry of Commerce website

Foreign Trade Law of the People’s Republic of China

The Foreign Trade Law of the People’s Republic of China is a foundational legal framework that governs the country’s international trade relations. First adopted in 1994, it was significantly revised in 2004 to align with WTO rules, marking China’s deeper integration into the global economy. The law establishes the basic principles for managing imports and exports, protecting foreign trade rights, and promoting fair trade practices.

Ministry of Commerce’s Rules for Foreign Trade Barrier Investigations

This is not a place or cultural site, but a set of regulations issued by China’s Ministry of Commerce. These rules establish the legal procedures for investigating foreign trade practices that may constitute barriers for Chinese exporters. They were formulated to protect the interests of domestic industries in accordance with China’s Foreign Trade Law.

Mexico’s Congressional Gazette

The Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF), or Mexico’s Congressional Gazette, is the official government journal of Mexico. It was first published in 1917 to disseminate the new constitution and all subsequent federal laws, decrees, and regulations. Today, it serves as the official public record, ensuring the transparency and legality of government actions.

Bureau of Trade Remedy Investigations

The Bureau of Trade Remedy Investigations is a Chinese government agency under the Ministry of Commerce, established to administer the country’s trade remedy laws. Its primary function is to investigate allegations of unfair foreign trade practices, such as dumping and subsidies, which harm domestic industries. Through these investigations, the bureau determines whether to impose anti-dumping or countervailing duties to protect Chinese producers.

Ministry of Commerce Trade Remedy Public Information Reading Room

The Ministry of Commerce Trade Remedy Public Information Reading Room is a specialized facility in China that provides public access to documents related to trade remedy investigations, such as anti-dumping and countervailing duty cases. It was established to increase transparency in China’s international trade practices, allowing businesses and legal representatives to review non-confidential case information. This supports a more open and fair process for all parties involved in trade disputes.

Trade Remedy Investigation Information Platform

The Trade Remedy Investigation Information Platform is a specialized digital tool used by governments to manage and publish information related to trade remedy investigations, such as those concerning anti-dumping and countervailing duties. Its history is tied to the evolution of international trade rules, particularly under the World Trade Organization (WTO), which established procedures for such investigations. The platform centralizes case documents, rulings, and public notices to ensure transparency and due process for all parties involved.

Ministry of Commerce website

The Ministry of Commerce website is the official online portal for the government department responsible for regulating trade, commerce, and industry. It serves as a public resource for policies, regulations, and economic data, evolving from a basic informational page to a comprehensive digital platform as internet usage grew. Its history is tied to the broader digitization of government services to improve transparency and accessibility for businesses and citizens.

Dong Chang’an Avenue

Dong Chang’an Avenue, or East Chang’an Avenue, is a major thoroughfare running east-west through central Beijing. Historically part of the imperial processional way, it was significantly expanded and modernized in the mid-20th century. Today, it is a prominent street lined with government buildings, commercial centers, and cultural institutions, symbolizing the city’s political and economic significance.