Mexico’s steel industry has welcomed the approval of a reform to the Law of General Import and Export Taxes (LIGIE) that introduces higher import tariffs on steel products from countries without free trade agreements, according to the National Chamber of the Iron and Steel Industry (CANACERO).
The reform, proposed by President Claudia Sheinbaum and approved by Congress, comes at a critical moment for the sector. CANACERO noted that Mexico’s steel exports to the United States have fallen by around 50% since the introduction of US Section 232 tariffs, while domestic steel production and consumption declined sharply during January–October 2025 compared with the same period last year.
The chamber also pointed to persistent unfair trade practices, particularly from Asian suppliers, as a major factor undermining market conditions.
CANACERO described the tariff reform as a fundamental step toward stabilizing the steel sector, saying it will help support domestic production, encourage import substitution and increase national content in steel-consuming industries. These goals align with “Plan México,” the government’s broader industrial strategy aimed at strengthening manufacturing capacity and supply chains.
The organization added that the reform brings Mexico’s trade defense framework closer to those of its key trading partners and supports deeper regional integration in North America. CANACERO said it remains ready to cooperate with the government on further measures if needed.
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