US accuses 9 Latin American countries of helping China avoid Trump’s tariffs

The United States has accused nine Latin American nations of facilitating Chinese companies' efforts to circumvent American tariffs. Mexico, Panama, and Colombia have been specifically named in a White House report, joining over 40 other countries identified as having a high risk of engaging in illegal transshipment.

This practice involves routing goods through intermediate countries to enter the US with altered origin details and reduced import duties. Previously, Mexico, Panama, and Colombia had appeared to align with the Trump administration's trade policies. However, recent actions, such as Panama's annulment of concessions for Hong Kong's CK Hutchison and Colombia's imposition of duties on steel imports from non-trade agreement countries, have drawn attention.

The report highlights the ongoing US concern over China's expanding influence in South America and its impact on trade dynamics. The inclusion of these countries on the elevated risk list signals a potential shift in trade enforcement and diplomatic relations.