🇲🇽 Mexico vs 🇧🇷 Brazil Tariffs — Import Duty Comparison (2026)

🇲🇽

Mexico

Section 122 Rate10%

Section 301N/A

Section 232 (Metals)50%

Trade AgreementUSMCA

Trade Volume$779B

Base Effective Rate10%

🇧🇷

Brazil

Section 122 Rate10%

Section 301N/A

Section 232 (Metals)50%

Trade AgreementNone

Trade Volume$92B

Base Effective Rate10%

Product Overlap

Both countries export these product categories to the US:

Crude oil

🇲🇽 Mexico Advantages

+Trade agreement: USMCA (duty-free on qualifying goods)
+Higher US trade volume ($779B vs $92B)
+Unique export categories: Motor vehicles, Auto parts, Computers

🇧🇷 Brazil Advantages

+Unique export categories: Iron ore, Soybeans, Coffee

Mexico and Brazil are both significant US trading partners, but their tariff profiles differ in important ways that affect import costs.

Both countries face the same base tariff rate of 10% on most goods entering the United States.

Both countries export Crude oil to the United States, creating direct competition in these sectors.

In terms of trade volume, Mexico accounts for approximately $779B in bilateral trade with the US, exceeding Brazil's $92B.

Both countries are subject to the 10% Section 122 tariff imposed on February 24, 2026, following the Supreme Court's ruling striking down IEEPA tariffs. This rate expires approximately July 24, 2026 unless Congress extends it.

Mexico's advantages include: Trade agreement: USMCA (duty-free on qualifying goods); Higher US trade volume ($779B vs $92B); Unique export categories: Motor vehicles, Auto parts, Computers. Brazil's advantages include: Unique export categories: Iron ore, Soybeans, Coffee.

With equivalent base tariff rates, the choice between Mexico and Brazil depends primarily on product-specific duties, shipping costs, lead times, and supply chain considerations rather than the base tariff rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has lower tariffs — Mexico or Brazil?

Both countries face the same base Section 122 tariff of 10%. The difference comes from product-specific duties, Section 301 (China only), and Section 232 (metals).

Should I switch sourcing from Mexico to Brazil?

The decision depends on more than tariff rates. Consider total landed cost (shipping, insurance, customs fees), lead times, quality standards, minimum order quantities, and supply chain reliability. With equivalent base rates, focus on non-tariff factors.

Do both Mexico and Brazil face the same Section 122 tariff?

Yes, both countries are subject to the 10% Section 122 tariff imposed on February 24, 2026. This flat rate replaced the variable IEEPA tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court. It expires approximately July 24, 2026.

What products overlap between Mexico and Brazil exports to the US?

Both countries export Crude oil to the US. Mexico has total bilateral trade of ~$779B while Brazil has ~$92B.