Gov't urges Mexico to minimize impact of looming tariff hikes

By Kim Seong-seo Posted : December 19, 2025, 15:03 Updated : December 19, 2025, 15:11
Deputy minister of Trade, Industry and Resources Park Jung-sung (left) shakes hands with Mexican Ambassador to Seoul Carlos Peñafiel Soto at the Mexican Embassy in central Seoul on Dec. 19, 2025. Courtesy of the MOTIR
SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - Deputy minister of Trade, Industry and Resources Park Jung-sung on Friday met with Mexican Ambassador to Seoul Carlos Peñafiel Soto to discuss trade-related issues ahead of planned tariff hikes next month.

Their talks came after Park consulted with relevant industry officials last week to assess the expected impact of the tariff hikes on imports of automobiles, textiles, and other goods passed by Mexico's congress earlier this month, and come up with measures.

Expressing Seoul's concerns, Park urged that steps be taken to minimize the impact on South Korean companies, adding that further revisions would be necessary.

Park stressed that South Korean companies have contributed significantly to Mexico's economy and urged Mexico to ensure the tariff hikes do not affect future investment or bilateral trade.

Park also said that talks on a free trade agreement between the two countries should be resumed as soon as possible to strengthen cooperation in advanced industries.

The two also discussed recent progress on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), set to take effect in July next year, replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Park said the USMCA should continue to serve as the framework for free trade in North America and urged Mexico to actively support South Korean companies operating there.

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