Tariff changes in 2025 are reshaping container flows across North America. A key question for teams is whether Mexico is seeing the same shifts as the United States, or if the two markets are moving in different directions. Using Vizion data, we review Mexico’s monthly import activity from all origins, drill into China-to-Mexico flows, and then compare these with U.S. imports from China.

This monthly perspective pairs with our Global Ocean Freight Tariff Tracker, which breaks down booking activity on a weekly basis. The weekly view shows just how turbulent trade has become: volumes fell nearly 29% year over year in early May, only to rebound 18% two weeks later. By September, growth briefly turned positive again (+10.6% in the week of September 15) after months of contraction. This volatility shows why both weekly and monthly perspectives matter - one captures immediate shifts, the other reveals the bigger trend.

Mexico Imports: All Origins

Mexico’s total inbound volumes from January through September 2025 have been lower year over year in every month. The steepest drops came in April (-37.6%) and May (-30.1%), coinciding with heightened tariff uncertainty. By late summer the declines narrowed, with September down just -4.1% compared with 2024. While the pullback has eased, Mexico has yet to post a positive month of growth in 2025, highlighting how tariff shifts are placing steady pressure across its supply chain.

Mexico Imports from China

China-to-Mexico shipments have followed a similar but sharper trajectory. April was the low point, with volumes down -44.2% compared with 2024, and most other months through the summer showed double-digit declines. February was the exception, with a +16.8% increase likely tied to front-loading ahead of tariff deadlines. By September, volumes narrowed to -7.7% year over year, suggesting some stabilization but still lagging behind last year. 

U.S. Imports from China

The U.S. picture shows sharper swings. February surged +28.3% year over year and March edged up +2.3%, before April saw a steep -36.3% drop. The summer remained weak, with July (-24.0%) and August (-21.6%) among the lowest points, while September so far is trending at -16.2% compared with last year. These volatile movements reflect how shippers responded tactically to tariff announcements by pulling volumes forward and then easing back. 

For organizations that rely on trade as a signal having access to weekly detail through Vizion’s Global Ocean Freight Tariff Tracker is critical for separating short-term swings from longer-term shifts.

‍Key Takeaway

Mexico and the U.S. are both experiencing tariff-driven shifts in imports, but the patterns differ. Mexico’s trend has been steadily negative throughout 2025, while the U.S. has swung more sharply, with short bursts of growth followed by steep pullbacks. Both markets hit their weakest point in April, showing how closely trade flows align with tariff deadlines.

For companies in logistics, finance, and capital markets, the message is clear: visibility into these shifts is essential. Monthly data reveals the overall trajectory, while weekly data provides early signals that help teams act before the market moves.

The Vizion Promise

Vizion delivers the transparency needed to navigate these changes: from container-level tracking to forward-looking trade flow intelligence. Our data helps shippers, finance teams, and analysts track where volumes are moving and use that insight to anticipate risks, opportunities, and market shifts. As tariffs and trade policies continue to evolve, Vizion will continue providing the clarity and foresight you need to plan with confidence.

👉 Ready to see the data in action? Request access to learn how Vizion can support your team or schedule a demo below.

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