Mexico’s government will impose a tariff of 25 to 30 percent on footwear imports as a means to compete what it sees as unfair competition in the category, the Agencia EFE reported.
Luis Videgaray, Mexico’s finance secretary, announced the increase—and other related measures—during the SAPICA Leather and Footwear Fair in Leon, Mexico (Aug. 27-30).
According to EFE, the tariffs would undo a decree that had established a program of phased tariff reductions. Mexico has carried out an “indiscriminate process” of opening its market to imports, including those with “unjustifiably low” prices.
“We eliminated benchmark prices and decided unilaterally to begin reducing tariffs, and for industry, from the perspective of industrial policy, that essentially amounted to wishing them good luck,” Videgaray said.
Videgaray also said estimated prices would be re-instated for footwear imports. Footwear importers whose reported declared price at customs is lower than the estimated price must cover the duties that arise from that differential.
The changes are included in a decree signed by President Enrique Peña and are expected to roll out this September and October.
Additionally, Mexico’s government is limiting footwear imports to just nine customs offices, rather than the 33 it allowed before the changes. Footwear will be allowed through Lazaro Cardenas, Manzanillo, Mexico, Guadalajara, Veracruz, Tijuana, the Mexico City International Airport, Ciudad Hidalgo and Nuevo Laredo.