Overview
- President Claudia Sheinbaum said the federal government will not change the special tax on alcoholic beverages (IEPS) for 2026 and ruled out an immediate cut or hike.
- The administration confirmed it will carry forward the tax structure adopted for 2025 rather than propose adjustments in the 2026 economic package.
- A legislative initiative from the Partido del Trabajo pushed a public debate about lowering the IEPS but the government has not endorsed that proposal.
- Technical studies cited during the debate estimate alcohol-related health and social costs at about 2.1% of Mexico’s GDP, a figure officials say must inform policy decisions.
- Any future modification will require a joint review by the Secretariat of Finance (SHCP) and the Health Secretariat, and observers will watch for further technical reports and legislative moves.