The United State is joining forces with Mexico to prevent Chinese companies from importing steel and aluminum into the U.S. through the Southern border without paying tariffs. Under the new joint agreement, Mexico will require importers to provide country-of-origin documentation and verification about their steel products. Mexico is also increasing its tariffs on aluminum, steel and other products from countries with which it does not have a free trade agreement.

The two countries have agreed to implement a series of policies intended to bolster North American supply chains, they announced in a joint statement Wednesday.

The U.S. is imposing requirements for melting, pouring, smelting and casting certain aluminum and steel imports before they are allowed to enter the U.S. without tariffs.

China is importing steel, aluminum and other products to the United States through Mexico to avoid paying tariffs.

Jeffrey Newman is a whistleblower lawyer, whose firm represents whistleblowers in healthcare fraud cases under the False Claims Act (FCA) and also under the Securities and Exchange, FINCEN and CFTC whistleblower programs. He can be reached at Jeff@JeffNewmanLaw.com or at 617-823-3217