Marketplace All-in-One Mexico raises tariffs on imports from Asia
Dec 11, 2025
Nick Marsh, a BBC journalist, discusses Mexico's ambitious new tariffs on over 1,400 Asian imports, aimed at boosting local jobs and production. He highlights the motivations behind these tariffs, including geopolitical pressures from the U.S. Gideon Long shares insights from Ukraine, showcasing the explosive growth of drone manufacturing spurred by the war, as well as grassroots efforts by local makers. The conversation also touches on the growing autonomy of drones in future warfare, presenting a fascinating evolution in combat technology.
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Broad Tariffs Target Asian Imports
- Mexico will tariff hundreds of goods from Asian countries without free trade deals, hitting sectors like steel, aluminum and car parts.
- The measures affect roughly $130 billion of Chinese goods entering Mexico annually and start in January.
Tariffs Serve Dual Domestic And Geopolitical Goals
- Claudia Sheinbaum frames the tariffs as protection for Mexican jobs and manufacturers against cheap Chinese goods.
- Nick Marsh also says the move signals alignment with U.S. pressure and counters China using Mexico as a tariff backdoor into the U.S.
Markets React To Macro And Regional Shocks
- Market moves followed major macro news: copper neared record highs after a Fed rate cut, while the Indian rupee hit a record low.
- Currency and commodity shifts reflect the broader global economic ripple from policy and regional developments.