The head of the Verkhovna Rada’s tax committee, Danylo Hetmantsev, is skeptical about the Cabinet’s proposal to introduce a tax on sugary drinks.
He noted that new taxes generally have a negative impact, and in this case there is also no clear economic logic. For example, the administration of such a tax will be difficult, and the expected budget effect of UAH 8 billion per year is three times less than the budget losses due to the shadow tobacco market.
Hetmantsev is convinced that now is not the time to introduce new taxes, because significant money is lost due to shadow schemes in various industries. In his opinion, these funds should be effectively returned to the budget, and not create new tax burdens.
Recall that the Cabinet of Ministers has identified the introduction of an excise tax on sugary drinks as one of the priorities of tax policy for the coming years. The corresponding intentions are recorded in the budget declaration for 2026–2028.
Tax rates are still being discussed, but one proposal is for 0.1 euros per liter of drink (about 5 hryvnias). However, a reduced rate will apply during martial law.
