Mexico Imposes Hefty Tariffs on Sugar to Protect Local Industry

Mexico raised tariffs of up to 210% on sugar imports from countries with which it doesn’t have a trade deal, part of a plan to protect the domestic industry from falling prices.

The measure, which takes effect on Tuesday, includes tariffs of 156% and 210% on cane sugar, refined liquid sugar, beet sugar and syrups, according to the official gazette, which couched the move as a way to stave off “distortions” in international trade.

Previously, the government imposed tariffs on imports of around $0.36 per kilogram on some sugar imports.

Mexico has a large export-driven farm sector, led by ...