Ivory Coast: What the state loses by upholding the decision to ban alcoholic energy drinks
Following the decision to ban the import and marketing of alcoholic energy drinks, the impact will soon be felt in the state coffers. This decision, although it may be motivated by public health concerns according to the official version of the authorities, leads to significant financial losses for the country.
Alcoholic energy drinks represent a significant share of the drinks market in Ivory Coast. By banning these products, the state deprives itself of several sources of tax revenue.
Customs duties levied on the import of these beverages are a significant source of revenue for the State. With the ban, those revenues disappear. The sale of alcoholic energy drinks generates VAT. The lack of marketing of these products leads to a reduction in revenue from this tax. Alcoholic beverages are generally subject to specific taxes called excise duties. The ban deprives the state of these additional taxes.
In addition, importers, distributors and retailers of alcoholic energy drinks see their turnover decrease, which affects their tax contributions to the state.
The ban on the import and marketing of alcoholic energy drinks in Ivory Coast results in significant economic losses for the state. Tax revenues, trade, employment and even the quality of products available on the market are affected by this decision.
It is essential for the state to weigh public health benefits against economic losses and seek balanced solutions that protect both the health of citizens and the country’s economic income.
