The Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP) proposed in the economic package 2026 a series of ‘healthy taxes’ which will result in higher prices for flavored drinks such as soft drinks, as well as tobacco, video games and betting houses.
Disaggregated, it was proposed to raise the Special Tax on Production and Services (IEPS) of soft drinks A quota at 3,0818 pesos per literincluding those that contain any type of non -caloric sugars. This represented an increase of 87.3 percent compared to 1,6451 pesos per liter of soda approved in 2025.
For carved tobacco, it set out to increase the rate the value of 160 to 200 percentas well as establish a gradual increase in the specific fee until 2030, with a transition period between fiscal exercises from 2026 to 2029, in addition to incorporating new products containing nicotine. As for the handmade tobacco, it will be sought to raise the rate the value 32 percent.
Additionally, it is proposed to establish a special tax the value 8 percent to the provision of digital video game services with violent content and increase the tax the value of 30 to 50 percent over The total amount of bets or the amount actually perceived.
According to the 2026 economic package, the consumption of flavored beverages is high and has contributed to the fact that 76.2 percent of the population over 20 years present overweight or obesity, conditions associated with diseases such as diabetescardiac conditions, cancer, osteoarthritis and metabolic disorders.
In addition, tobacco consumption is associated with the death of 63 thousand people a year, due to health effects such as Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaselung cancer, brain attacks and pneumoconiosis.
Recent studies analyzed by the Treasury found a relationship between the use of video games of a violent nature and a higher level of aggression among adolescents, as well as social and psychological effects negative as isolation and anxiety.
Likewise, the proliferation of online betting houses has increased population access to these activities causing social and economic damage for individuals and their families.
“Derived from the above, the Government of Mexico will launch measures for extra -fiscal purposes aimed at decrease the consumption of goods and products that generate negative effects on the health of the population ”, can be read in the document.
For Edgar Amador Zamora, Secretary of the Treasury, these taxes have a double objective, encourage healthier habits and counteract the budgetary effects associated with the treatment of diseases linked to the consumption of these products.
“By strengthening the tax structure and expanding the taxable base, the income that integrates the participate federal collection will be increased and, consequently, the participations received by the States will be expanded. This will result in greater local resources to attend own priorities in health, education, security and infrastructure, ”said the secretary.
Likewise, the president of the Political Coordination Board, Ricardo Monreal, said that, although the arrival of ‘lobbyists’ is expected to try to negotiate this increase in taxes, expect the legislative majority to resist “Because it is convenient to do it”he said.
