Overview

• The Paquete Económico 2026 proposes lifting the IEPS on flavored beverages to 3.0818 pesos per liter and applying it to drinks with non‑caloric sweeteners.
• At the morning briefing, health officials said a 600‑ml bottle would rise by roughly one peso and outlined uses of the revenue for prevention campaigns, upgraded primary care, innovative treatments and high‑specialty services.
• The beverage industry (MexBeb) warns retail prices could climb 10–15%, about 150,000 jobs could be at risk over five years and more than 1.2 million small stores could be strained, arguing the levy is regressive and hinders reformulation.
• Business leaders such as the CCE contend the measure will pass costs to consumers without changing habits, calling for education and prevention instead of higher excise rates.
• Civil society groups back the policy but urge Congress to go further with 7 pesos per liter on drinks, 3 pesos per cigarette and taxes on alcohol as legislators take up the proposal for debate and possible amendments.