Why did Mexico introduce a nationwide tax on soft drinks with added sugar in 2014?

Mexico introduced a nationwide tax on soft drinks with added sugar in 2014 primarily to address significant public health concerns associated with their consumption.1

Regular intake of sugar-sweetened beverages is linked to serious health conditions, including obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and coronary heart disease. Because these drinks often contain high levels of sugar—frequently exceeding recommended daily intake limits in a single serving—the tax was implemented as a regulatory measure to discourage consumption and mitigate these risks. This policy reflects a broader global effort to use taxation as a tool to promote public health and combat the negative outcomes associated with the long-term consumption of sugary drinks.1