Mexico Seeks Lower India Tequila Tariff
Mexico's economy secretary is pressing India to cut its 150% tariff on imported tequila as the two countries begin formal trade talks.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in International Trade
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Would you buy more tequila if import tariffs on it were lowered?
Mexico's economy secretary, Marcelo Ebrard, said Mexico seeks a lower tariff on tequila imported into India, which currently charges 150%. The remarks came at a Guadalajara event of the Cámara Nacional de la Industria Tequilera on 5 November 2026.
Why it matters
India and Mexico signed terms of reference in late October 2026 to launch trade talks, and tequila is becoming a test case for market access. The outcome could shape how much Mexican spirits producers can sell into a fast-growing Indian market.
India's 150% tariff on imported tequila is set against annual imports of about 2 million liters, which grew more than 30% from 2024 to 2025. Whether the tariff will fall, and how quickly, remains unresolved, since India's official statement does not mention tequila.
The players
Marcelo Ebrard
Mexico's economy secretary, who leads the country's trade negotiations and is pressing for lower tariffs on Mexican exports.
Cámara Nacional de la Industria Tequilera
The National Chamber of the Tequila Industry, the Mexican trade group representing tequila producers that presented Ebrard its El Sueño award.
The details
Ebrard spoke at the Cámara Nacional de la Industria Tequilera event in Guadalajara and received its El Sueño award, saying Mexico has terms of reference for negotiations and that India's trade minister has committed to lower the tariff. India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry said the talks cover market access for goods and rules of origin.
Timeline
Late October 2026: India and Mexico sign terms of reference to launch trade talks.
5 November 2026: Ebrard publicly seeks a lower India tequila tariff in Guadalajara.
2027: A tequila tariff deal is expected to be signed, according to Ebrard.
Market Landscape
The United States takes 82% of Mexican tequila exports, making India's 150% tariff a barrier to diversifying beyond that concentrated market. Mexico's push for lower duties in India is an attempt to open a second large destination before competitors gain ground there.
For consumers, a lower Indian tariff could eventually bring imported tequila to more shelves and bars in India at lower prices. The change would be gradual, so no immediate price shift is guaranteed while talks continue.
The takeaway
Tariff negotiations often move slowly, so readers tracking tequila prices abroad should watch for a signed agreement rather than statements of intent. The 2027 target gives a clearer timeline for when any tariff change might arrive.
What happens next
Mexico and India's trade talks are expected to run toward a tequila tariff deal, with signing projected for 2027.
Further reading
For more on how tariffs shape cross-border deals, see International Trade.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Rio Times.
Live Poll
Would you buy more tequila if import tariffs on it were lowered?
