New tariffs on products imported to Mexico via e-commerce sites such as Amazon and Temu and international courier companies took effect on Jan. 1. Ranging from 17% to 19%, the tariffs entered into force the same day a new rule took effect requiring foreign e-commerce companies to pay Mexico’s 16% value-added tax (IVA) on products they export to and sell in Mexico.
Federal tax agency SAT said in a statement that the tariffs were being implemented to “continue strengthening the fight against abusive practices” of foreign companies that import products to Mexico. SAT also said that surveillance of goods entering Mexico from Asia will be strengthened, which could lengthen delivery times. Outlined in the General Rules of Foreign Trade for 2025 document that was published in the federal government’s official gazette earlier this week, the tariffs are as follows: Previously, countries were not required to pay duties on goods of those values, according to a SAT spokesperson quoted by the Reuters news agency.
Media organization Merca 2.0 noted that “a decorative LED desk lamp purchased on Amazon and shipped [to Mexico] from China with a base price of $700 MXN would incur a 19% tariff equivalent to $133 MXN, bringing the cost to $833 MXN.” The price of the lamp would be even higher if Amazon passed on the 16% IVA to the customer.
The implementation of the new tariffs and introduction of the new IVA rule come as Mexico is seeking to reduce its reliance on imports from China .
