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The short version
- Since January 1, 2026, Mexico charges higher import duties on 1,463 tariff lines (about 12% of its tariff) from countries without a trade agreement, including China. Rates run from 5% to 50%.
- A formal import pays IGI (the import duty), DTA (0.8% customs processing fee) and 16% IVA, and the IVA is charged on the customs value plus IGI and DTA.
- Courier packages from China pay a flat 33.5% since August 15, 2025 (it was 19%).
- Goods from the US or Canada that meet USMCA (T-MEC) rules of origin are not affected by the increase.
What changed in Mexico's tariffs in 2026?
Mexico raised its import duties on 1,463 tariff lines from countries it has no trade agreement with, including China, from January 1, 2026. The decree amending the tariff (the LIGIE) was published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación on December 29, 2025. It mostly hits plastics, textiles and apparel, steel products and vehicles. In 2025 Mexico imported about US$133 billion from China, so the change reaches a lot of shipments. A second decree on April 23, 2026 adjusted 185 tariff lines again, which is why you should always check the rate for your exact tariff code, not your product category.
What are the new duty rates?
| Product group | Before | From Jan 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Cars | 20% | 50% |
| Apparel and footwear | up to 25% | 35% |
| Toys | 30% | |
| Plastics | 15% | 25% |
| Cosmetics | 10% | 25% |
| Auto parts | 0% | 25% |
| Paper | 5% | 35% |
Typical rates for goods from countries without a trade agreement with Mexico, as reported by Mondaq and Xataka MX. Each tariff line has its own rate: check yours in the official tariff before you order.
How do you calculate import duty into Mexico?
A formal import into Mexico pays three main amounts, all based on the customs value: the price of the goods plus international freight and insurance (a CIF-type value).
The catch is the IVA: it is not charged on the goods alone but on the value plus the duty and the fee, so a higher duty also raises your IVA. Registered companies can usually credit the import IVA later, but the cash leaves your account on the day you import.
Example: US$10,000 of plastic goods from China
| Line | Base | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Customs value (goods + freight + insurance) | US$10,000.00 | |
| IGI (25%) | US$10,000 | US$2,500.00 |
| DTA (0.8%) | US$10,000 | US$80.00 |
| IVA (16%) | US$12,580 | US$2,012.80 |
| Total taxes | US$4,592.80 (about 46%) |
Illustrative example. Customs broker fees and any other charges are extra.
Change the value, freight, duty rate and origin and see IGI, DTA and IVA instantly.
Open the free Mexico tariff calculatorHow much do courier packages from China pay?
Since August 15, 2025, packages imported by courier from countries without a trade agreement pay a global rate of 33.5%, up from 19%. A US$100 package from China pays about US$33.50. Packages from the US or Canada pay lower rates. This is why many shoppers who used Chinese platforms now pay noticeably more.
If your product has a low duty rate, a formal import can work out cheaper than the 33.5% courier rate. If its duty is high, the courier rate can be the cheaper route. Run both before you choose.
How can you pay less?
- Know your exact tariff codeTwo similar products can sit in different tariff lines, one at 0% and the other at 35%.
- Compare courier with a formal importLow duty: formal can be cheaper. High duty: the 33.5% courier rate can win.
- Compare suppliers in trade-agreement countriesA product that meets USMCA (T-MEC) rules of origin can enter without duty. Compare total landed cost, not just the factory price.
- Manufacture in Mexico? Ask about IMMEX and PROSECThese programs can lower duties on inputs, but both became stricter in 2026. Check with a customs broker (agente aduanal).
A formal import requires registration in Mexico's importers' register (padrón de importadores) and, in practice, a licensed customs broker.
Paying a supplier in China? Send money in their currency with the real exchange rate and low, upfront fees.
Pay suppliers with Wise BusinessFrequently asked questions
What tariff does Mexico charge on Chinese goods in 2026?
It depends on the tariff line. Since January 1, 2026, 1,463 lines from countries without a trade agreement, including China, pay higher rates between 5% and 50%: for example 50% on cars, 35% on apparel and footwear, 30% on toys and 25% on plastics, cosmetics and auto parts.
How is IVA calculated on imports into Mexico?
IVA is 16% of the customs value plus the import duty (IGI) plus the customs processing fee (DTA). The customs value includes the goods, freight and insurance.
What is the DTA in Mexico?
The derecho de trámite aduanero, a customs processing fee of 0.8% of the customs value on most formal imports.
How much tax do packages from China pay in Mexico?
Courier packages from countries without a trade agreement pay a global rate of 33.5% since August 15, 2025, up from 19%.
Do the new tariffs apply to goods from the US or Canada?
No, not to goods that meet the USMCA (T-MEC) rules of origin. The increase targets countries without a trade agreement with Mexico.
Do I need to register to import into Mexico?
Yes. Formal imports require registration in the padrón de importadores, and some goods also need a sector-specific register.
General information as of October 6, 2026, not legal or customs advice. Rates depend on your exact tariff line and origin and change by decree; confirm with a licensed Mexican customs broker (agente aduanal) before you import.