Mexico Tariffs 2026
USMCA-compliant goods enter the US from Mexico at 0% duty. Non-compliant goods pay MFN plus the 10% forced-labor Section 301 tariff. Section 232 adds 50% on steel, aluminum and copper and 25% on vehicles — even for USMCA goods. Here's exactly what applies to your shipment.
USMCA rate
0%
if origin-compliant
Forced-labor tariff
10%
non-USMCA goods
§232 Steel & aluminum
50%
no USMCA exemption
§232 Cars
25%
on non-US content
USMCA: Mexico's Zero-Tariff Agreement
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced NAFTA in July 2020, eliminates tariffs on most goods that qualify under its rules of origin. To claim 0% duty, your goods must meet specific origin criteria — otherwise they're treated as non-originating and face standard MFN rates plus the flat 10% Section 122 surcharge.
USMCA is scheduled for a mandatory review in 2026. Until renegotiated or terminated, its zero-tariff rates remain in force.
Tariff Shift
Product's HS code must change from inputs to finished good at a specific chapter, heading, or subheading level.
Regional Value Content
Minimum 75% RVC for autos/auto parts; 60% for most goods (net-cost or transaction-value method).
Yarn-Forward (Apparel)
Fabric and yarn must originate in Mexico, US, or Canada. Third-country fabric means MFN plus the 10% forced-labor tariff.
Labor Value Content (Autos)
Minimum 40–45% of auto content must be made by workers earning ≥ $16/hr. New rule under 2020 USMCA.
10% Forced-Labor Tariff — non-USMCA goods
Executive Order 14194 (February 1, 2025) imposed a 25% IEEPA tariff on Mexican goods, citing fentanyl flows at the border — the Supreme Court struck it down in February 2026. USMCA-compliant goods remain exempt. A flat 10% Section 122 surcharge replaced it until 24 July 2026; non-USMCA goods now pay the 10% forced-labor Section 301 tariff on top of standard MFN duty rates.
Mexico Tariff Rates by Product (2026)
| Product | HS Chapter | MFN | USMCA | If not USMCA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger vehicles (cars) | 8703 | 2.5% | 25% on non-US content | 25% §232 |
| Steel (flat-rolled) | 7208–7212 | 0% | 50% §232 | 50% §232 |
| Aluminum (unwrought) | 7601 | 0–2.6% | 50% §232 | 50% §232 |
| Fresh avocados | 0804.40 | 0% | 0% | 10% |
| Tomatoes & fresh vegetables | 0702–0709 | 0–7.7% | 0% | 10% |
| Medical devices | 9018–9021 | 0% | 0% | 10% |
| Electronics / computers | 8471–8473 | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Apparel / clothing (cotton) | 6109 | 12–32% | 0%* | 10% |
| Auto parts | 8708 | 2.5–4% | 0%* | 25% §232 |
| Tequila / spirits | 2208.30 | 0% | 0% | 10% |
* USMCA rate applies only when rules of origin are met and a valid Certificate of Origin is presented to CBP.
"If not USMCA" = extra duty for non-qualifying goods: the 10% forced-labor tariff, or Section 232 where it applies (the two never stack). Section 232 steel and aluminum (50%) are additional and apply even to USMCA goods.
Mexico vs China — Tariff Cost Comparison
Many importers are shifting production from China to Mexico (nearshoring) to reduce tariff exposure. On a $50,000 shipment, the savings can be substantial — but only if USMCA origin can be certified.
| Product ($50K value) | 🇨🇳 China total duty | 🇲🇽 Mexico (USMCA) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive parts | $25,000 (25% §301 + 25% §232) | $0 (USMCA-compliant) | $25,000 |
| Apparel / clothing | $18,250 (16.5% + 7.5% §301 + 12.5%) | $0 (USMCA) | $18,250 |
| Industrial machinery | $10,000 (20% §301) | $0 (USMCA) | $10,000 |
| Steel products | $37,500 (25% §301 + 50% §232) | $25,000 (50% §232) | $12,500 |
| Electronics | $0 (ITA) | $0 (ITA + USMCA) | $0 |
Note: §232 steel/aluminum tariffs apply to all origins including Mexico. Nearshoring removes China's Section 301 and the forced-labor tariff — not §232.
Mexico Tariffs — Frequently Asked Questions
USMCA-qualifying goods from Mexico pay 0% duty and are exempt from the forced-labor Section 301 tariff. Goods that don't qualify pay MFN plus 10% (Mexico is in the 10% tier since 24 July 2026). Section 232 applies regardless of USMCA: steel, aluminum and copper articles 50% of full value; cars 25% on their non-US content; non-compliant auto parts 25%. The 25% IEEPA 'fentanyl' tariff was struck down in February 2026.
Yes. USMCA remains in force, with its joint review under way in 2026. Goods meeting the rules of origin enter at 0% and are exempt from the forced-labor tariff — a 10-point advantage over non-qualifying goods. Section 232 duties still apply to steel, aluminum, copper and vehicles.
In February 2025 the administration used IEEPA to impose 25% on Mexican goods, citing border concerns; USMCA-compliant goods were exempt. The Supreme Court struck the IEEPA tariffs down in February 2026. A flat 10% Section 122 surcharge applied to non-USMCA goods until it expired on 24 July 2026; since then they pay the 10% forced-labor Section 301 tariff. There is no 25% country-wide tariff on Mexico today.
Yes. Since 6 April 2026 steel, aluminum and copper articles pay 50% of their full customs value (25% for derivative articles) regardless of USMCA. USMCA only lets derivative steel articles exclude their U.S. content. Section 232 goods do not also pay the forced-labor tariff.
Landed cost = product value + MFN duty (0% if USMCA-qualifying) + 10% forced-labor tariff if not USMCA-qualifying + Section 232 for metals and vehicles + MPF (0.3464% of value, min $34.58 / max $670.86) + HMF (0.125%, ocean only) + freight + insurance. The free calculator applies each layer to your HS code.
The Merchandise Processing Fee is 0.3464% of the entered value, minimum $34.58 and maximum $670.86 per formal entry. USMCA-originating goods are exempt from MPF; non-originating goods pay it. Shipments up to $2,500 on an informal entry pay a flat $2.77.
Related Tariff Guides
Tariff data is based on HTSUS 2026, Executive Orders through May 2026, and CBP guidance. Rates can change without notice — always verify with a licensed customs broker before filing. This is informational only and not legal or customs advice.
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Key Facts — Mexico 2026
- USMCA: 0% on qualifying goods
- Forced-labor tariff: 10% on non-USMCA goods
- §232 steel & aluminum: 50% (no USMCA exemption)
- §232 cars: 25% on non-US content
- MPF: 0.3464% (min $34.58, max $670.86)
- No Section 301 (China-specific only)
- USMCA review scheduled: 2026