Biznes Fakty
The government surprises with an increase in excise tax on alcohol. „It's counting on higher revenues, but the reality will be different.”
The reduction in beer sales following the excise tax hike could reach 20 percent, meaning that revenues from excise taxes are unlikely to increase, according to the Association of Brewing Industry Employers – Polish Breweries, responding to the Ministry of Finance’s announcement.
„The government is expecting increased budget revenues, but the actual outcome will be different,” states the Association of Brewing Industry Employers.
„Due to the excise tax increase, the decline in beer sales might be around 20% (an additional 7 million hectolitres). This implies that revenues from excise taxes will not rise, while VAT revenues will drop by at least PLN 1 billion each year. Instead of opting for legally brewed beer in Poland that contributes to the economy, more Poles will likely turn to cheap, strong alcohol from the grey market or beer imported from Germany or the Czech Republic, where tax rates are considerably lower,” the report indicated.
The organization warns, „Polish breweries are at risk of closure, resulting in thousands of job losses.”
Increase in excise tax
On Thursday, the Ministry of Finance suggested updating the excise tax rates on all alcoholic beverages.
The Ministry proposes to raise excise tax rates on alcoholic beverages by 15 percent starting January 1, 2026, compared to the rates of 2025, with a further increase of 10 percent planned for 2027.
According to the existing roadmap, which outlines the changes in the excise tax rate on alcoholic beverages as stipulated in the act, this tax is set to increase by 5 percent in both 2026 and 2027.
The Ministry of Finance also intends to raise the sugar tax rate starting next year.
