Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Saudi Arabia Adjustments Sugar Tax Guidelines: Increased Taxes for Excessive-Sugar Drinks in 2026
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Trade and Mineral Sources, Bandar Alkhorayef, introduced that the brand new selective tax coverage on sweetened drinks will formally begin on January 1, 2026.
In an interview with Al-Arabiya, he defined that this challenge was one of many greatest considerations for industrial firms up to now, but it surely has now been absolutely resolved.
He pressured that the objective of the brand new sugar tax coverage is to guard public well being, cut back sugar consumption, and on the identical time enable producers to innovate and create new merchandise.
The adjustments to the tax coverage had been made after all of the concerned events reached a complete settlement. He additionally identified that the complexity of the problem stemmed from the necessity for coordination on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) degree.
Alkhorayef defined that the economic sector in Saudi Arabia—similar to industries world wide—faces ongoing challenges attributable to fixed adjustments and international crises. He stated, “I used to be an industrialist myself, and I do know that the sector’s issues by no means finish. However the Kingdom has proven sturdy dedication to working with the personal sector to unravel these challenges over the previous years.”
Sweetened drinks embrace any drink that accommodates added sugar, synthetic sweeteners, or different sweetening substances. This new system covers ready-to-drink drinks, concentrates, powders, gels, extracts, and any product that may be was a beverage.
The aim of the sugar tax is to cut back consumption of sugary drinks and enhance public well being throughout Saudi Arabia and the GCC. The brand new tiered system encourages firms to decrease the sugar content material of their merchandise and helps customers make more healthy selections. It additionally goals to combat well being issues linked to excessive sugar consumption, similar to weight problems, diabetes, and dental points.
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| Saudi Arabia Adjustments Sugar Tax Guidelines Increased Taxes for Excessive-Sugar Drinks in 2026 |
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