Background and Relevance of the Issue
The National Association of Small Businesses (ANPEC) has expressed strong opposition to proposed increases in the Impuesto Especial sobre Producción y Servicios (IEPS) on caloric foods and sugary beverages for the year 2026. This move is expected to negatively impact both consumer purchasing power and small business sales.
Who is ANPEC?
The National Association of Small Businesses (ANPEC) is a prominent organization representing small retailers across the country. Their members include local grocery stores, convenience shops, and other small-scale retailers who cater to everyday consumer needs.
Why is this issue relevant?
This issue is highly relevant as it directly affects both consumers and small businesses. The proposed IEPS increase targets caloric foods and sugary beverages, which are popular among consumers. ANPEC’s opposition highlights the potential negative consequences of such a tax hike on both consumer purchasing power and small business revenues.
ANPEC’s Stance on the Proposed IEPS Increase
According to ANPEC, the proposed increase in IEPS on caloric foods and sugary beverages is unwarranted and counterproductive.
Key Points:
- ANPEC believes that now is not the time for any tax increases, especially those that elevate the cost of widely demanded products.
- The IEPS, as a revenue collection tool, already ensures automatic revenue generation through product pricing rather than direct consumer tax payments.
- The proposed increase will directly affect consumers’ purchasing power and reduce sales for small businesses.
Potential Impact on Consumers and Small Businesses
If the proposed IEPS increase is implemented, it could lead to higher prices for caloric foods and sugary beverages. This, in turn, would further erode the already insufficient purchasing power of consumers and likely result in decreased sales for small businesses.
Small Businesses and the Proposed Increase
Cuauhtémoc Rivera, president of ANPEC, emphasized the gravity of the situation. He stated that they are on the brink of a crucial debate regarding the 2026 Economic Package, with September 8 being the deadline for the executive branch to submit its proposal to the legislative body.
Should the rumored tax increases be included in the federal budget proposal for 2026, it would contradict President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s commitment to maintain fiscal equilibrium without creating or raising new taxes. The justification for this proposed IEPS increase has reportedly lacked impact, suggesting that the primary objective might be revenue generation rather than sustainable policy goals.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is ANPEC? The National Association of Small Businesses (ANPEC) represents small retailers in the country, including grocery stores and convenience shops.
- Why is ANPEC opposing the IEPS increase? ANPEC believes that now is not the time for tax increases, particularly those targeting widely demanded products. They argue that such an increase would negatively impact consumer purchasing power and small business sales.
- What products are affected by the proposed IEPS increase? The proposed increase targets caloric foods and sugary beverages.
- What are the potential consequences of the IEPS increase for consumers and small businesses? The proposed increase could lead to higher prices, reduced consumer purchasing power, and decreased sales for small businesses.
