Over 80 percent of Mexican exports to the United States will be exempt from new tariffs announced by Washington, according to Mexican Economic Secretary Marcelo Ebrard. The tariffs, affecting approximately 60 countries, come into effect as a response to investigations by the US government regarding the use of forced labor in products exported to the US. Ebrard stated that the majority of Mexican exports will not be affected as they comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
The USMCA, a regional free trade accord signed in 2020, ensures that goods following its rules are exempt from the new tariffs. Ebrard noted in a social media video that over 80 percent of Mexican exports adhere to these rules, meaning they remain unchanged. Mexico is the largest commercial partner of the United States, with exports totaling $558 billion between June 2025 and May 2026.
Negotiators from both countries recently met to discuss updates to the USMCA, which Washington has deemed deficient. The new tariff, set at 10 percent for Mexico and up to 12.5 percent for other countries, replaces a temporary levy imposed by the previous US administration that expired on Friday. Goods not covered under the USMCA will be subject to the new tariff.
Ebrard reassured that the tariff Mexico is currently paying will not change. "We don't see a change in the tariff Mexico is paying today....it doesn't change the position we've had up to now," he added. This development ensures stability for the significant trade relationship between the two nations.
