Mexico imposes retaliatory tariffs on certain US yarns & carpets

11 Apr '09

2 min read

On March 16, 2009, Mexico announced that it would re-impose tariffs of up to 45% on imports of approximately 90 products originating in the United States. These tariffs, which became effective March 19th, were imposed in retaliation against the U.S. for the cancellation of the Cross-Border Trucking Demonstration Program.

The trucking pilot program, which ran for approximately 18 months, allowed certain Mexican trucks licensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation to operate in the United States outside of specified border zones.

While most of the affected products are agricultural, yarns and carpets classified under the following Harmonized System (HS) numbers will also be subject to tariffs:
• 5511.10.01: Yarn (other than sewing thread) of man-made staple fibers put up for retail sale, of synthetic staple fibers containing 85 percent or more by weight of such fibers
• 5511.30.01: Yarn (other than sewing thread) of man-made staple fibers; of synthetic staple fibers; of artificial staple fibers
• 5704.90.99: Other carpets and other textile floor coverings, of felt, not tufted or flocked, whether or not made up
• 5705.00.99: Other carpets and other textile floor coverings, whether or not made up

The above HS numbers refer to classifications under Mexico's schedule. The tariff rate applied to the cited yarns will be 15%, while the tariff rate applied to carpets will be 20%.

The tariffs will apply to all imported U.S. goods that fall under the listed HS classifications, even if they were previously eligible for duty-free treatment.

International Trade Administration

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