China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced on Thursday (September 25) that it has launched a trade and investment barrier investigation into Mexico's planned tariff increases on products from non-free trade partners, including China.

Mexico's proposal, published on September 9, would raise import duties on goods such as steel, aluminum, automobiles, textiles, and electronics, which China claims will severely damage its companies' interests.

MOFCOM is initiating the investigation to protect the foreign trade order and will examine the new tariffs along with other recent trade restrictions from Mexico against China. The investigation will conclude within six months, with a possible three-month extension.

China firmly opposes the unilateral move, saying it is likely to sacrifice the interests of third parties amid current protectionist trends and will harm the certainty of the business environment.