Mexico’s Senate approved on Wednesday tariff hikes of up to 50% on imports from China and several Asian countries starting next year, in efforts to bolster local industries despite opposition from business groups and affected governments.

The proposal, passed earlier by the lower house, will raise or impose new duties of up to 50% from 2026 on certain goods such as autos, auto parts, textiles, clothing, plastics and steel from countries without trade deals with Mexico, including China, India, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia. The majority of products will face tariffs of up to 35%.

The Senate approved the bill with 76 votes in favor, five against, and 35 abstentions, despite opposition from China and domestic business groups.

The approved bill is less stringent than an earlier versio

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