Just before the Christmas holiday, Mexican authorities launched “Operación Limpieza” (Operation Cleanup), a massive crackdown on contraband Chinese imports.
Many Chinese-made products enter Mexico illegally through its ports and circulate in the informal economy, sold mostly in markets, malls and small independent stores.
The largest pre-Christmas raid took place at the bustling Plaza Izazaga in Mexico City, a popular commercial center renowned for selling merchandise from the Pacific Rim. According to the Economy Ministry, more than 260,000 products were seized in just one day.
Federal police officers later targeted three businesses in Hermosillo, Sonora—Super Hogar, Merca C, and Hiper Casa—confiscating goods valued at 150 million pesos and shutting down all three establishments.
Some commentators suggested the operation was a measure to placate U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has threatened to impose tariffs on Mexico, amid warnings about excessive Chinese influence in the country. However, Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard denied this, stating that the raids were part of a strategy initiated during the administration of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
Although Ebrard confirmed that such operations would continue, commentators warned that he will need to carefully consider the consequences, as many low-income families depend on these Asian imports for their livelihoods.