Vietnam Approves 90% Tax Hikes on Alcoholic Drinks

Vietnam Approves 90% Tax Hikes on Alcoholic Drinks
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The Spin

Pro-government narrative

These tax hikes are necessary public health measures that will save lives and reduce health care costs. Vietnam faces a serious alcohol crisis, with 41,000 annual deaths, and these gradual increases give consumers time to adapt while steering them toward healthier choices. The WHO's strong endorsement validates this approach.

Government-critical narrative

Vietnam's drinking culture runs too deep to be uprooted by policy alone, and these measures represent more of a speed bump than a roadblock for the industry. The gradual implementation helps consumers adapt, and behavioral shifts toward home consumption were already underway before these tax changes took effect.


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