Mexico Negotiates With India to Reduce 150% Tariff on Tequila, Digi Mart USA News (Guadalajara, Mexico): Mexico is negotiating with the government of India to reduce the 150 percent tariff currently applied to Mexican tequila, Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard said during a meeting with representatives of the tequila industry held on Thursday.
Ebrard said the talks are making progress and that a reduction in import taxes is expected to be finalized during 2027. Such a change would improve the commercial conditions for the Mexican spirit in one of the world’s most populous markets.
He explained that, at the instruction of President Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico began efforts with Indian authorities to facilitate tequila’s access to the country, which has roughly 1.5 billion inhabitants. Ebrard emphasized the importance of expanding trade opportunities for Mexican products and strengthening their international presence, particularly in markets where tariff conditions limit competitiveness.
The remarks were made during a ceremony organized by the National Chamber of the Tequila Industry (CNIT) in Guadalajara, Jalisco. There, Ebrard received the “El Sueño” award, an honor given by the industry in recognition of his public service career and his actions to promote and defend the tequila industry abroad.
The meeting brought together representatives of 66 companies that together account for about 80 percent of national tequila production. CNIT President Roberto Ciprés Cruces stressed the importance of maintaining coordination between producers and the federal government to promote the presence of the beverage in other countries and to protect its denomination of origin.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus and Guadalajara Mayor Verónica Delgadillo also attended the event. The tequila industry is one of the emblematic sectors of Mexican exports, and the prospect of improved market access in India opens an opportunity to expand its commercial reach and strengthen its presence outside the country.
