Background on the Tax Proposal
In an effort to encourage healthier consumption habits among Mexicans, the federal government proposed adjustments to taxes on sugary beverages and tobacco products as part of its 2026 economic package. This proposal, however, has sparked controversy and opposition among the general public.
Key Findings from TR Research Study
Opposition to Tax Increases:
- 92.4% of Mexicans surveyed are against raising taxes on gasoline, diesel, and natural gas.
- 60% are opposed to increasing taxes on sugary drinks and industrialized juices.
- 50.2% are against raising taxes on cigarettes and tobacco products.
- 47.9% are against increasing taxes on alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and liquor.
Support for Tax Increases:
- 35.5% are in favor of increasing taxes on sugary drinks and industrialized juices.
- 45.8% are in favor of raising taxes on cigarettes and tobacco products.
- 47.8% support increasing taxes on alcoholic beverages.
Tax Revenue Projections from the 2026 Economic Package
According to an analysis by México Evalúa of the 2026 economic package, the majority of increased tax revenue will come from fuels. The proposed adjustments aim to generate 473,000 million pesos (62% of the total) from the IEPS (Special Tax on Production and Services) on gasoline, diesel, and natural gas. This represents a 3.4% increase (16,793 million pesos) based on estimates.
For non-fuel products, the proposed tax hikes aim to increase revenue by 15.8% (39,000 million pesos) compared to the amount approved in 2025. Out of this increase, 77% (30,000 million pesos) will come from a higher tax collection on flavored beverages, with sugary drinks accounting for 67.9% of this revenue stream.
The expected collection from the specific IEPS on flavored beverages is 75,290 million pesos.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main proposal in the 2026 economic package? The federal government aims to encourage healthier consumption habits by adjusting taxes on sugary beverages and tobacco products.
- What percentage of Mexicans oppose tax hikes on fuels and sugary drinks? 92.4% of Mexicans surveyed are against raising taxes on gasoline, diesel, natural gas, and sugary drinks.
- What is the primary source of increased tax revenue in the 2026 economic package? The majority of the increased tax revenue will come from fuels, specifically gasoline, diesel, and natural gas.
- What percentage of Mexicans support tax hikes on cigarettes and tobacco products? 45.8% of Mexicans surveyed are in favor of increasing taxes on cigarettes and tobacco products.
