2023 started with rising prices and on the eve of the Three Kings Daythe traditional Rosca de Reyes reports an increase in costs of up to 33% compared to the previous year and toys up to 70%, reported the National Alliance of Small Merchants (ANPEC).
He mentioned that the costs of inputs for the elaboration of the Rosca de Reyes How is it the wheatsugar, chocolate, eggs, fats, some seeds and transport have risen between 10 to 40%, derived from the Russian War in Ukraine.
While the national toy industry continues to be affected by the commercial dumping of toys from smugglingfrom Asia, which are sold up to 50% of what a legal toy is sold.
“The Three Wise Men open poker from the prediction that many analysts, bankers, investors and active forces in the market have regarding the economic future of 2023, derived from the imminent recession in which the United States economy will enter, the prolongation of the war in Europe from the east between Russia and Ukraine, the increase in energy prices, particularly gas due to the harsh winter that is coming”, said Cuauhtémoc Rivera, president of ANPEC.
He added that these factors make up a “cocktail” that is strengthened by the economic uncertainty in Mexico for this year, the political polarization caused by the presidential succession of 2024 and the latent rising inflation.
Since last December, the bakery industry anticipated cost increases in different products, mainly white and sweet bread, since 10% of its raw materials are imported, although foreign purchases made by its suppliers range up to 50 percent.
ANPEC reported that the celebration of the Three Kings Day It has surprised Mexican families because their purchasing power has been diminished due to the fact that inflation is present in bakery, dairy, chocolate and toy products.
Based on a survey carried out by small merchants, the average price of the traditional small Rosca de Reyes without filling is 184.50 pesos against the 120 pesos it cost in January 2022. This represents an average 54% increase.
While the large bagel went from 340 to 415 pesos, which represents an increase of 22%; This is without counting the breads filled with chocolate, cream, jams or pastry cream that have an additional cost.
For his part, he cost of chocolate to prepare the hot drinks that accompany the Rosca de Reyes went from 42 pesos in January 2022 (for three pieces) to 45 pesos in January 2023. And milk (three liters) from 51 to 72 pesos.
The long-awaited toys for children brought by the Three Wise Men have also shot up their prices by an average of 70% compared to the previous year, when compared to informal trade.
Such is the case of the cart tracks that cost 400 pesos in the supermarket, 310 pesos in the traditional toy store, but when compared to the informal market that sells contraband, its cost is reduced by 185 pesos.
The formal Mexican industry has reiterated that it cannot compete unfairly with the smuggling from the orientTherefore, it is urgent that the authorities have greater control in customs.
