Mexico Increases Efforts to Combat Illegal Steel Imports Amid US Tariffs

Mexico’s Investment Plan Targets Domestic Steel Production

In response to US tariffs, Mexico is stepping up efforts to combat illegal steel imports and boost local production.
The country’s updated investment plan focuses on increasing domestic steel output, aiming to improve national competitiveness.

Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard highlighted that both local and international steel supply chains are under closer inspection.
Mexico now requires all steel importers to register and provide detailed information about the plants from which their materials come.

Tightened Import Regulations and Anti-Dumping Measures

Mexico’s government has found major discrepancies in over 1,000 steel import registrations.
Out of more than 2,000 registrations, 1,062 were flagged for inconsistencies, including suspicious production process modeling.

Ebrard announced that the government will begin canceling fraudulent registrations to ensure only legally compliant steel enters the market.
This initiative aims to eliminate tariff evasion and create a level playing field for domestic steel manufacturers.

In March, the Mexican Ministry of Economy launched an anti-dumping investigation into hot-rolled steel imports from China and Vietnam.
Ternium Mexico requested the investigation, claiming that unfairly low prices on HRC from these countries harm local producers.

This investigation, which targets unfair pricing practices, could lead to tariffs or other trade measures against the Chinese and Vietnamese steel sectors.