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Mexico Strikes Soda-Tax Deal Setting 3.08 Pesos/Liter for Sugary Drinks and 1.50 for Light Versions

Lawmakers will consider the pact that ties higher levies to calorie-reduction commitments from soda makers.

Overview

  • After overnight talks, health officials and beverage companies announced a compromise to keep the IEPS at 3.08 pesos per liter for sugar‑sweetened drinks and set a 1.50‑peso rate for beverages with non‑caloric sweeteners.
  • The agreement revises a committee plan that had set 3.08 pesos for all sweetened beverages, and leaders said the change will be introduced for a vote in the full Chamber of Deputies.
  • Coca‑Cola/FEMSA and peers pledged product reformulation, including a target to cut calories by about 30% and to have roughly 70% of volume meet that benchmark on an accelerated timeline.
  • Health authorities framed the move as part of a strategy to curb obesity and diabetes, citing heavy public spending on related diseases and forecasting a consumption drop in the first two years of implementation.
  • The wider 2026 package also raises tobacco taxes, adds an 8% levy on violent videogames, and reclassifies some oral rehydration products for taxation, with industry groups warning of consumer price increases of up to about 15%.