Overview

• The Paquete Económico 2026 sends to Congress an IEPS increase to 3.0818 pesos per liter on flavored beverages, with Hacienda estimating roughly 41 billion pesos in revenue.
• MexBeb warns the change could cost about 150,000 direct and indirect jobs over five years and raise retail prices by 10–15%, calling the measure highly regressive for low‑income households.
• Industry groups argue taxing drinks with non‑caloric sweeteners would penalize reformulation and innovation intended to cut sugar and calories.
• Producers say small retailers are at risk, noting 1.2 million tienditas depend on beverages for about 30% of sales and could face closures due to higher prices.
• Public‑health NGOs label the proposal insufficient and urge a steeper soda tax of 7 pesos per liter and higher tobacco levies, while the CCE contends the hikes will not curb consumption and will shift costs to consumers.