Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard stated that the recent decision by the United States government to impose tariffs on heavy vehiclesproduced outside its territory represents a violation of the current trade agreement with Mexico, since the units assembled in the country incorporate a high percentage of American content.
“The average percentage of U.S. components in the heavy vehicles we manufacture in Mexico is around 60%, maybe a little more, depending on the model,” the official explained.
Therefore, he insisted, the effective rate should be below 10% and the issue will be a high priority in the 2026 review of the free trade agreement , where Mexico will demand that parts and components of Mexican origin receive the same treatment as those of American origin.
Ebrard emphasized that the Mexican government will seek to implement discounts similar to those already received by light vehicles , in order to maintain the competitiveness of the automotive and transportation sector.
Regarding the importation of used vehicles , the secretary specified that the agreement signed with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) will prevent the entry of thousands of highly polluting units, especially those over 10 years old and that do not comply with national and international standards.
“Without this regulation, by 2026 we would have tens of thousands of vehicles on the road in Mexico with safety and emissions conditions that leave much to be desired,” he warned.
According to Semarnat, diesel vehicles represent only 5% of the national automotive fleet, but generate 61% of polluting emissions, which is why the federal government seeks to move towards decarbonization and the gradual removal of diesel, in addition to encouraging Mexican transporters to access cleaner and safer units.
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