The cruise industry has scored a win in its fight over the hefty cruise tax proposal by Mexico.
After talks with cruise lines, federal officials have agreed to only impose half the original $42 fee and this will be phased in over several years.
The ‘Non-Resident Duty’ tax will start in July at $5 and will rise incrementally each year.
In 2026 it will be $10, $15 in 2027 and $21 by August 2028.
Cruise lines had threatened to pull ships from Mexico calls if the $42 fee went ahead.
The negotiations were led by the Florida and Caribbean Cruise Association.
There are some concessions cruise lines have agreed to.
They have vowed to buy more Mexico made goods for their cruise operations and boost overall cruise traffic
The FCCA argued the $42 fee would hamper cruise industry investment in Mexico, ‘including billions in planned developments.’
“The cruise industry is a success story for Mexico. This agreement demonstrates what we can accomplish together through ongoing, open dialogue and partnership with Mexico officials.” the FCCA said.
