Coparmex: 2026 Budget Poses Risks to Quintana Roo

Cancún — The Employers' Confederation of the Mexican Republic (Coparmex) has warned that the 2026 Economic Package could pose risks to the economic development of Quintana Roo and the rest of the country, as it is based on optimistic growth assumptions and maintains a high level of public debt.

Deficit Slightly Below 2025 Forecast

According to the federal initiative, total spending will amount to 10.1 trillion pesos, with estimated revenues of 8.7 trillion pesos, resulting in a deficit of 4.1% of GDP, just below the figure forecast for 2025.

However, Coparmex pointed out that this calculation is based on a projected economic growth range of between 1.8% and 2.8%, which will depend on security, legal certainty, and guarantees for investment—factors essential in tourist destinations like Quintana Roo.

The business organization alerted that budget reductions in key sectors represent a direct risk to the population. The Secretary of Health will face a 3.2% cut, despite 44.5 million people lacking access to medical services.

Regarding citizen security, a 17.5% reduction in resources could weaken the capacity to protect the population and maintain an environment attractive to investment, a particularly sensitive issue in states that depend on tourism.

Limitation on Strategic Projects

Although public investment will grow by 19.8% in real terms, reaching 1.25 trillion pesos, the figure is still far from the 5% of GDP required to spur private investment. Furthermore, one out of every four pesos will go to Pemex, which, according to Coparmex, limits the diversification of strategic projects and diverts resources from sectors like infrastructure, innovation, and support for MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), which are essential for states like Quintana Roo.

Another aspect causing concern is the increase in taxes, such as the IEPS (Special Tax on Production and Services) on flavored beverages, tobacco, gambling, and video games, in addition to changes in the deductibility of contributions to the IPAB (Institute for the Protection of Bank Savings). For Coparmex, these measures send signals of fiscal uncertainty that can discourage investment and affect consumption, without guaranteeing a positive impact on health or security.

MSMEs Need Support

Finally, the business leadership underscored that MSMEs are the heart of the economy and require support programs, technology, and training to sustain jobs and competitiveness. In the case of Quintana Roo, where the majority of businesses are linked to tourism, a lack of incentives could limit growth and hinder the generation of formal employment.