Germany to levy sugar tax on sweetened drinks, aiming to raise €650 million

The German government plans to introduce a new tax on sugar‑sweetened beverages. The measure is expected to generate about €650 million in additional revenue for the next fiscal year. The tax will be tiered: drinks containing more than 5 g of sugar per 100 ml will be levied at roughly 26 cents per litre, while those exceeding 8 g per 100 ml will face a rate of about 32 cents per litre.

Health Minister Nina Warken said the revenue will be transferred to public health‑insurance funds and is part of a broader package aimed at improving the financing of the health system and curbing excessive sugar consumption. Experts note the tax could also produce long‑term savings by reducing diet‑related diseases such as diabetes. Similar levies have already been implemented in countries like the United Kingdom.