The Mexican government has carried out a new blow against illegal trade and counterfeit products from China. This Wednesday, as part of Operation Clean-up led by the Ministry of Economy, three million items were confiscated in Ensenada, Baja California, with an estimated value of 320 million pesos (15.4 million dollars). “It is the largest seizure we have made regarding merchandise of illicit origin,” declared Marcelo Ebrard, head of the agency, on Thursday.
The operation, carried out in coordination with the Government of Baja California, elements of civil protection, the state police and local authorities, took place in the border municipality. Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila reported that among the seized items were food, toys, perfumes, electronics and textiles, among others.
The deployment covered two shopping centers in Ensenada, Max Family and Plaza China, located in the center of the city and with an area of 18,000 square meters. The Treasury Department, the Navy, the National Defense and the National Guard also participated in the operation. The governor added that it will be the responsibility of the Attorney General’s Office and the State to determine legal actions against companies that failed to comply with Mexican regulations.
Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration is intensifying its strategy against Asian piracy, particularly of Chinese origin, with seizures exceeding 500 million pesos in various locations such as Mexico City, Hermosillo (Sonora), Saltillo (Coahuila) and, recently, Ensenada, where the largest operation to date was carried out. “It is striking because of its proximity to the United States, which implies reviewing the role of customs agencies,” said Marcelo Ebrard. The official also highlighted that seven customs agency patents have been cancelled and another 40 are under investigation. “For the first time in many years, we are seeing the revocation and cancellation of licenses,” he added.
This seizure is in addition to the implementation of tariffs of up to 35% on the import of textile products. Although both the president and the head of the Economy have insisted that these actions do not specifically target any country, Chinese trade has turned out to be the most affected.
