Mexico has announced a set of measures aimed at combating unfair trade practices affecting the textile and apparel sector and enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of domestic manufacturers in the face of mounting foreign competition.

This action includes six separate measures involving import duties, importer registration, automatic alerts, enhanced surveillance and minimum estimated prices. In addition, Mexico will establish new financing mechanisms to allow domestic textile and apparel producers to modernize their infrastructure and increase their exports to foreign markets.

Tariff breakouts for textile and apparel products will be expanded from the 8-digit to the 10-digit level. Textile and apparel importers will be required to be listed on a sector-specific registry. This requirement is already in place for certain other sectors, including footwear.

The Mexican government will establish an automatic alert system for textile and apparel imports that will allow customs officials to verify imported goods in advance. Minimum estimated prices will be set for raw materials and finished goods. The import duty reduction on 73 apparel items and seven textile made-ups has been postponed.

A new financing mechanism will enable the textile and apparel sector, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises, to upgrade their machinery and equipment, pursue innovative strategies and develop new products.