China urges Mexico to uphold free trade principles

China called on Mexico to uphold the principles of free trade and refrain from tariff increases, following Mexico's decision to impose higher tariffs on a range of imported products from countries that lack free trade agreements with Mexico, including China, said the Ministry of Commerce on Thursday.

Although this measure is not targeted at specific countries, it has, to some extent, affected trade between China and Mexico and the overall increase in Mexico's tariff levels will also affect investor confidence, He Yadong, spokesman of the ministry, told a news conference.

From historical experience, higher tariffs increase production costs for downstream industries and scale back benefits for consumers. Mexico should adhere to the principles of free trade and avoid such measures as it has benefited from free trade, He said.

China is willing to work together with Mexico to leverage the complementary economic advantages of both countries, promote trade and investment facilitation, and advance the sound and stable development of bilateral economic and trade relations, He added.

Mexico is China's second-largest trading partner in Latin America, and China is Mexico's second-largest trading partner globally. Bilateral trade continues to grow and economic cooperation has brought tangible benefits to both countries and their people, He said.